Philippines expresses concern over Iran attack

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines expressed yesterday serious concern over the unprecedented attack by Iran on Israel following Tehran’s aerial bombardment.

Iran’s drone and missile assault on Israel sparked international condemnation, with several countries going even further and expressing solidarity with Israel or declaring their commitment to its security.

“The Philippines expresses its serious concern over the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement. “We urge all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and to work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict.”

The Philippines, the DFA added, has long advocated for all states to adhere to the principles of international law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes.

In an online press briefing from Jerusalem, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said Israel expects to see the international community condemning Iranian operation that used its proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, to support the attack.

While the Philippine statement did not mention condemnation, Fluss said Israel respects the statement.

Iran initiated an unprecedented attack on Israel by launching hundreds of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on April 13. The Israel Defense Forces and coalition of international partners managed to intercept and stop 99 percent of the launches.

The attack included over 400 launches: 170 UAVs, 120 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles, launched from Iran (about 285 drones and missiles), Yemen (Houthis), Iraq, Syria and Lebanon (Hezbollah, over 100 rockets).

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps earlier seized the Portuguese civilian cargo ship MCS Aries with four Filipino seafarers on board. The IRGC also took part in the unprecedented missile attacks toward Israel.

“This unprovoked aggression is a clear example of Iran’s desire to destroy Israel and illustrates the global threat posed by a potentially nuclear-armed Iran. Iran makes declarations and acts to destroy the State of Israel. No country in the world would tolerate repeated threats to its existence,” Fluss said.

He noted that Israel’s Iron Dome successfully defended Israel in the face of the unprecedented attack. — Cecille Suerte Felipe