HK may send typhoon aid to Philippines  

港府将申请拨款助菲律宾救灾

Hong Kong (CNS) -- If the Philippines requests relief support, Hong Kong will follow procedure and humanitarian policies, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said on Monday.

Hong Kong adopted visa restrictions and unspecified sanctions to demand Manila's apology and compensation for a hostage tragedy three years ago.

But after Typhoon Haiyan, the Hong Kong government issued a statement of condolence to Philippine victims of the typhoon, Leung added.

As for the sanctions, Leung said the Philippine government had not requested an extension on the one-month deadline, after which actions will be taken unless substantial progress was made.

HK government sought approval from the Legislative Council's finance committee Friday to add HK$40 million ($5.2 million) to the disaster relief fund, which is currently HK$9 million.

The fund will be used for relief support via non-government organizations.

Local charities, including World Vision International, Hong Kong Red Cross and Oxfam Hong Kong, have already started raising funds for the Philippine victims.