Aquino condemns ‘barbaric’ attack on a Pakistani school

President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA at the Main Chapel of the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Monday (December 15, 2014). December 15, 1989, His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin consecrated and dedicated the EDSA Shrine to Our Lady, Queen of Peace, who miraculously interceded to oust the dictatorship and restore democracy in the peaceful, bloodless People Power Revolution of 1986. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III has condemned Tuesday’s attack on a Pakistani army-run school that left at least 141 dead, mostly children.

“Today, we join the world in condemning the outrage perpetrated on innocent schoolchildren, and school officials and personnel in Peshawar, Pakistan,” President Aquino said in a statement released at Official Gazette (www.gov.ph.)

“The senseless deaths of so many young lives, and the barbarism of this attack is an affront to all civilized peoples. Such an act of terror and savagery deserves nothing less than our condemnation. There can be no justification for this tragedy, which has dishonored Islam,” he said.

The President said the Filipino people are one with the people of Pakistan in mourning.

“Today, every person of goodwill is a father, mother, brother, and sister to the people of Pakistan,” he added.

According to news reports, seven Taliban attackers, all wearing bomb vests, entered the school and attacked an auditorium where children were taking an exam.

They reportedly went from classroom to classroom, shooting students and teachers. At least 132 children and nine staff members were killed and 125 people were wounded. All seven attackers were killed, reports said.