Philippines condemns terror, brutality

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines yesterday joined the international community in condemning the coordinated terror attacks in Paris that left more than 100 people dead and scores injured.

“Terror and brutality have plunged the City of Light, Paris, into the darkness of horror and grief. The Philippines and its people stand in solidarity with the people of Paris and all of France in this time of deepest sorrow and the gravest outrage against the perpetrators of these crimes,” President Aquino said yesterday.

“The deaths of over a hundred in the attack on the Bataclan concert hall, the vicinity of the Stade de France, and on restaurants in the city center, were atrocities that demand a united voice from the world in condemnation and grief,” he said.

Aquino said “in our time of need,” France and her people stood shoulder to shoulder with the Philippines in helping the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.

“We stand with France now, in the firm belief that the light must never dim in Paris,” Aquino said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned the attacks, calling it “cowardly assaults on innocent and defenseless people.”

“There is no possible justification for such barbaric savagery. The world must stand together against violent extremism,” the DFA said.

The French embassy in Manila said yesterday it is deeply touched by the heartfelt expressions of support in the Philippines extended by President Aquino, national and local authorities, the Filipino people and all hose from foreign embassies and groups.

“Today we are all Parisians,” the embassy said in a statement.

“France will always fight against extremism and stand for the values of democracy and human rights enshrined in our national motto ‘Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité’ which was coined in Paris centuries ago,” the statement said.

DFA spokesman Charles Jose said there were no reports of Filipinos killed or wounded in the attacks in Paris. There are around 48,000 Filipinos in France.

“There are no reports of Filipino casualties so far. Our embassy stands ready to assist Filipinos in France,” he said. 

Malacañang said President Aquino has not spoken yet with French President Francois Hollande to convey his sympathies over the attacks.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said this was not the right time, as emotions in France were running very high.

“Maybe we will find the proper time for this to be conveyed so we will not hamper what needs to be done because of the intense security preparations they have to do now. Reports are saying that they are closing their borders and they are trying to stabilize the situation,” Valte said.

Valte said the President received the news with a heavy heart, especially since there were also many Filipinos in Paris.

She said there was still no word if Aquino would attend the summit on climate change in France and there had been no decision even before the attacks in Paris.

Valte said the attacks showed the merciless face of terrorism again and not only premeditation but “the cruelty that demands the greatest indignation from the world.”

“The Philippines mourns the dead and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with France. At a time that demands heightened security from all of us, we ask Filipinos in Paris to heed the instructions of the authorities and for all of us to cooperate and be vigilant here at home,” Valte said.

She said the DFA will be issuing updates on the situation in Paris and has been directed to render all necessary assistance to Filipinos living there.

“Our Philippine embassy is ready and is continuing to monitor the situation should assistance be required to be extended to any of our citizens there, whether tourist or resident,” Valte said.

She added those with concerns could contact the DFA and the French embassy.

Vice President Jejomar Binay and other leaders also condemned the attacks in Paris.

Binay also called on security forces in Manila to be more alert.  – Aurea Calica, Pia Lee-Brago, Janvic Mateo, Marvin Sy, Paolo Romero