OUR hearts go out to the people of Beirut, Lebanon, which was severely damaged on Tuesday by a tremendous explosion at the city’s port. While our first concern is naturally the well-being of the citizens of Beirut — along with a large number of our own countrymen who live and work there — the shocking catastrophe gives us pause to consider the safety of the Philippines’ many port facilities.
As of midday Friday, the toll from the blast had reached 137 killed and more than 4,000 injured, with scores still missing. Tragically, four Filipinos were listed among those killed; 31 were injured, two critically, and one remains missing. The government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has offered assurances that all possible assistance will be given to those affected by the disaster and their families.
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