France offers aids to civilians displaced by armed conflict in Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): France offers aids to civilians displaced by armed conflict in Marawi

The Embassy of France has expressed concern over the imposition of martial law in Mindanao, as it offered assistance to civilians affected by the armed conflict in Marawi City.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. We are concerned about what is going on the ground there in Mindanao and the security situation of our French nationals. We are also concerned about the fate of civilians affected by conflicts,” Embassy of France in Manila’s Deputy Head of Mission Laurent Le Godec said in an interview.

Le Godec noted France has been helping Filipinos affected by different conflicts in Mindanao or natural disasters.

“We will try as we did it in the past to offer our assistance when we can. We have some NGOs (non-governmental organizations) on the ground trying to support the relief efforts. We will continue (to do so) because we, French, believe on the value of solidarity,” he said.

Le Godec said France can provide the country financial, technical and food assistance, as well as financing for its NGOs.

“…We are not so sure as of now of what is going really on the ground and how many people would need help but definitely, this is something that we are considering and we will be ready to help,” he added.

President Duterte on May 23 declared martial law in the entire Mindanao island, which would effect for 60 days.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of France to the Philippines and the Film Development Council of the Philippines on Wednesday formally opened the 22nd French Film Festival in Manila.

The film festival remains one of the year’s most anticipated events of “PhilFrance: Feel French!”, a year-long festival launched by the French Embassy last January to celebrate the 70th year anniversary of French-Philippine diplomatic relations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992545