Washington: The US government has sent USD 100,000 in emergency aid for families of the victims of a Philippine ferry tragedy, a top official said. The donation, the maximum amount that can be sent to the US Embassy in Manila without prior authorization from Congress, was forwarded to the Philippine Red Cross, said State Department spokesman Tom Casey.
A US Navy ship was expected to arrive today in the Philippines to help search for victims where the ferry sank in a typhoon on Saturday near Sibuyan, about 150 kilometres south of Manila. On a visit to the United States, Philippine President Gloria Arroyo thanked the United States for its help.
