Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) extends its deepest solidarity to the people and government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that has caused loss of life, injuries, displacement, and widespread destruction in affected communities.
We express our sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished in this tragedy. We likewise extend our support to the injured, the displaced, and all those affected, and wish success to the ongoing search and rescue operations, emergency response efforts, and relief work being carried out across the country.
The Filipino people know well the pain and uncertainty brought by disasters. Our country has repeatedly endured destructive earthquakes, typhoons, and floods, including the recent earthquake in Mindanao. We understand the immense challenges of recovery and reconstruction, and it is from this shared experience that we extend our heartfelt solidarity to the Venezuelan people.
This disaster comes at a difficult time for Venezuela, which continues to face an imperialist siege marked by sanctions, economic coercion, intervention, and persistent attacks on its sovereignty. Yet throughout these challenges, the Venezuelan people have remained steadfast in defending their independence, dignity, and right to self-determination.
We likewise reiterate our call for an end to the grave violations of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty embodied in the continuing kidnapping and illegal detention of President Nicolás Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores. As the Venezuelan people confront the immense human and material costs of this devastating earthquake, we call upon all peace- and freedom-loving peoples of the world to demand their immediate freedom and safe return to the Venezuelan people, and to stand in solidarity with Venezuela’s efforts to recover, rebuild, and heal.
From the Filipino people, who have repeatedly risen from the devastation of natural disasters, to the Venezuelan people now confronting the same ordeal: you do not stand alone.
May those who lost their lives rest in peace. May the survivors find strength and hope. And may the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela emerge from this tragedy stronger, united, and determined to rebuild.
Long live the solidarity between the Filipino and Venezuelan peoples