DILI, 06 November 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste has expressed its deep solidarity and condolences to the Government and people of the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which brought severe flooding, destruction, and loss of life across the central provinces, particularly in Cebu.
In a letter addressed to Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said Timor-Leste was “deeply saddened by the scale of this tragedy and by the hardships faced by so many families who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that “the country stands in solidarity” with the Filipino people during this period of mourning and recovery.
He also reaffirmed “the friendship and regional cooperation” that bind the two nations, as well as “the great admiration for the Filipino people.”
“Today, the Philippines faces a tragedy of immense proportions, and the people of Timor-Leste cannot remain indifferent to this suffering. Our shared history and regional cooperation ties make the pain of the Philippines also our own. We stand ready to offer all possible support,” said the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira.
The minister praised the efforts of rescue teams and professionals who continue to assist those affected by the disaster, reaffirming Timor-Leste’s commitment to regional solidarity and cooperation in Southeast Asia. He also expressed confidence in the Philippines’ resilience and recovery following the catastrophe.
According to local media reports, the latest figures show that Typhoon Kalmaegi has claimed at least 114 lives, with 127 people still missing, most of them in Cebu Province.
TATOLI
