DILI, 13 November 2025 (TATOLI) – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas announced that the deployment of Timor-Leste’s humanitarian task force to the Philippines has been postponed following a political decision by the Philippine Government.
He explained that the Philippines had requested international support in the form of material aid, such as food, water, medical supplies, and other essential goods, rather than the deployment of foreign teams.
Speaking at a press conference held in Dili, Minister Freitas said the Timorese Government had been fully prepared to send a humanitarian task force in response to the destruction caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which recently devastated several regions of the Philippines.
Freitas said the Timorese authorities had maintained regular communication with their counterparts in Indonesia and the Philippines to secure the necessary flight and landing authorizations. He revealed that the Timorese contingent had been ready to depart on 12 November, pending final clearance.
“We expected to receive the green light from the Indonesian and Philippine authorities on the night of 11 November so that we could proceed with the mission the following day,” Freitas recalled.
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was informed of our readiness and expressed his appreciation for Timor-Leste’s solidarity. However, the Philippine Government clarified that, at this stage, it only requires material assistance and not foreign teams,” the minister emphasized.
Freitas said the proposal for humanitarian support had been submitted to Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, who is currently considering the possibility of providing financial assistance to the Philippines. He did not disclose the potential amount but assured that the objective is to contribute meaningfully to post-disaster recovery efforts.
The minister highlighted that this gesture of solidarity reflects Timor-Leste’s commitment as a new member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which it formally joined on 26 October 2025.
“As a member of ASEAN, it is our duty to be ready to support a fellow nation affected by disaster. Our response is a demonstration of solidarity and brotherhood, which is part of our humanitarian vocation,” Freitas concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
