His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a message of condolence to the President of the Republic of Philippines, Benigno Simeon C Aquino III, as well as the government and people of the Philippines following the tragedy of Typhoon Bopha, which struck the Southern Philippines recently.

In the message, His Majesty was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of lives and damage to property resulting from Typhoon Bopha in the Southern Philippines.

His Majesty and the people of Brunei Darussalam sent their deepest condolences and sympathies to the government and people of the Philippines, particularly to the bereaved families of the victims of this disaster.

The civil defence office in Manila said 647 bodies have so far been recovered, AFP reported.

A total of 780 people are still missing, including about 150 fishermen from General Santos. - Borneo Bulletin (11 December 2012)