MANILA - US Ambassador Kristie Kenney on Monday said the US government has given $100,000 worth of asistance to the Red Cross as well as directed the US Navy to help in ongoing efforts.

She said additional help the US government can extend could probably be in the clean-up operations.

They will see if the military excercise between the Philippines and the US scheduled in 2 weeks can be advanced and converted into clean-up operations.

In her speech before the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) lawyers, she said that because of Ondoy, lives were lost and dreams were destroyed, and mother nature "humbled and equaled us all."

Kenney said US President Barack Obama extends his sincerest condolences to all the victims.

She said Obama is aware of the suffering and is sending his great condolences and has encouraged them to be helpful, which is what they're doing.

If the military excercises can be turned into clean up drive, Kenney said part of their additional assistance may be to bring in helicopters and buldozers.

She added the US government continues to assess various ways they can help. -- report from Timi Nubla, ABS-CBN News