PHL condemns terror attack in Egypt

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said the Philippines strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on Palm Sunday (April 9) in Egypt. (Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said the Philippines strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on Palm Sunday (April 9) in Egypt.

The first blast happened at St. George Church in the Nile Delta town of Tanta, where at least 27 people were killed and 78 others wounded.

The second explosion, which Egypt’s Interior Ministry said was caused by a suicide bomber who tried to storm St. Mark’s Cathedral in the coastal city of Alexandria, leaving at least 17 dead, and 48 injured.

The attack came just after Pope Tawadros II, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, finished services.

“Such heinous acts of violence have no place in today’s world. We condole with the Egyptian Government and the families of the victims and continue to stand with Egypt and the international community in the fight against terrorism,” the DFA press statement said.

Acting DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Robespierre Bolivar said in a text message that based on the report of our Embassy in Cairo, no Filipino casualty in the twin incident.

Reports claimed that at least three police officers were killed in the St. Mark’s attack, the ministry told The Associated Press.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks via its Aamaq media agency, following the group’s recent video vowing to step up attacks against Christians, who the group describes as “infidels” empowering the West against Muslims.