Duterte extends sympathies to New Zealand shooting victims

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has extended sympathies to New Zealand for the death of 49 people in mass shootings that targeted two mosques in Christchurch on Friday.

“The government and the people of the Philippines stand with New Zealand during this time of grief and outrage,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said yesterday.

Malacañang has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to monitor closely the situation and determine the condition of Filipino nationals in the area, Panelo said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident, and we pray for strength and speedy recovery of those who were injured,” he said.

The Palace condemned the attacks, reiterating the Philippines’ commitment to help in the fight against terrorism.

“This reprehensible act has no place in a civilized world. The Philippines rebukes all efforts to sow terror and fear between and among peoples,” Panelo said.

“The Philippines joins all peace-loving nations and peoples around the world in condemning – in the strongest and in no uncertain terms – this assault on the faithful in places of worship,” he added.

Panelo said the Philippines and the rest of the world should not be intimidated by acts of terror or terrorists who know no boundaries.

“There has to be a universal unified action as well as a conscious and determined effort to neutralize and demolish any attempt at destabilizing the order in societies and the tranquility of their citizens and secure the safety of lives and properties of the inhabitants of the globe,” he added.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be held hostage by fear and intimidation sown by terrorists and psychologically challenged persons and live in an endangered environment,” he added. 

“With unity in action against the enemies of the states, we shall prevail,” Panelo added.