MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has expressed its appreciation to the international community for expressing sympathy and solidarity following the bombing of a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu last Sunday.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the twin bombings at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral, which left at least 20 persons dead and dozens others wounded.
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"The Philippines appreciates the expressions of sympathy and solidarity from the Security Council and the other member-states of the United Nations," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
"The Philippines and the Filipino people stand solidly with the rest of the international community in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism," it added.
In its statement released earlier this week, the UNSC stressed that terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
The council called on all countries to cooperate with the Philippines in bringing justice to the perpetrators of the Jolo blast.
"The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed," the council said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres had earlier expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for the perpetrators of the crime to be brought to justice.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the twin blasts, which he called a "despicable act of cowardice" while Russian President Vladimir Putin also called for punishment against the masterminds and perpetrators of the incident.