RP seeks more US aid for Mayon area

RP seeks more US aid for Mayon area

MANILA (AFP): A Philippine official on Thursday appealed for more U.S. government assistance to tens of thousands of people displaced by the erupting Mayon volcano.

The U.S. embassy has already pledged tents and other U.S. military field equipment but Manila would need more, Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora, President Joseph Estrada's chief aide, said in a statement.

Mayon started erupting last week, displacing 83,000 people as of last count.

The eruption occurred toward the end of month-long military exercises involving about 2,500 U.S. troops and their Filipino counterparts. The US embassy here sent an advance mission to the Mayon area on Wednesday to assess the needs of the affected communities.