(Eagle News)–The Philippines on Saturday, March 16, condemned the mass shootings in New Zealand that left at least 40 dead.
“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,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
According to Panelo, the “reprehensible act has no place in a civilised world.”
He said the Philippines “rebukes all efforts to sow terror and fear between and among peoples,” as he called for “a universal unified action as well as a conscious and determined effort to neutralise and demolish any attempt at destabilising the order in societies and the tranquility of their citizens and secure the safety of lives and properties of the inhabitants of the globe.”
“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..With unity in action against the enemies of the states, we shall prevail,” he said.
He said the Department of Foreign Affairs “has been instructed to monitor closely the situation and determine the condition of Filipino nationals in the area.”
“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,” Panelo said.
“The Government and the people of the Philippines stand with New Zealand during this time of grief and outrage,” he added.
Forty-nine people were killed and more than 40 were injured after a gunman, Australian national Brenton Harrison Tarrant, opened fire at worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch.
Harrison had posted a manifesto that denounced immigrants as “invaders” and broadcast a video of his attack in one of the mosques live.
Facebook said it has taken down the footage.
