We condemn in the strongest terms the ambush of the convoy of military trucks on their way back from delivering relief goods to families affected by Typhoon Nona in Northern Samar.

This is an assault to the humanitarian efforts of the government, which came at a time that our countrymen are in dire need of immediate assistance.

The trucks were also supposed to carry the more than 270,000 GI sheets for distribution to families whose houses were damaged by Typhoon Nona.

But even with this unfortunate incident, we assure our countrymen in disaster-affected areas that relief operations will continue.

We call on the perpetrators to respect and uphold neutrality, impartiality and independence of humanitarian workers of the government. ###