MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government said yesterday that it does not condone the burning of a Malaysian flag by lawyer Elly Pamatong.
In a statement, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose said Pamatong’s action does not represent the official position of the Philippines.
“The flag-burning incident was committed by a private individual who is known to have done many controversial things in the past…The embassy does not condone the incident and deeply regrets that the incident has offended the feelings of Malaysians,” he said.
He added that the Philippine government is looking into the matter and would deal with it, as he stressed that the Philippines remains firmly committed to the development of excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a statement, the Malaysian government urged the Philippine government to take “stern action” against Pamatong and ensure that a similar incident would not happen again “as it could potentially tarnish the excellent bilateral relations which Malaysia and the Philippines currently enjoy.”
On Facebook, a group called President Pamatong Supporters posted last Jan. 19 a video of Pamatong burning the Malaysian flag and denouncing “Malaysia’s continuing invasion of the State of Sabah.”