China, Russia, France support PH efforts vs. terrorism

Twin explosions on Sunday morning ripped through the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu in the middle of a church service, killing 20 and injuring 112. (File Photo from United Kabalikat Civicom-Jolo chapter via PNA)

MANILA — The Chinese, Russian, and French governments renewed their commitment to support and step up engagement with the Philippines in fighting violent extremism and terrorism following the deadly blasts in Jolo, Sulu that killed 20 and injured hundred others on Sunday.

China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said Beijing “strongly condemns” the violent attacks in Sulu province and condoles with the bereaved families of those killed.

“China opposes all forms of terrorism and stands ready to work with the international community including the Philippines to jointly combat threats and challenges posed by terrorism and safeguard international and regional peace and stability,” he said in a presscon in Beijing Monday night.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a telegram sent to President Rodrigo R. Duterte, stated Russia’s “readiness to further step up interaction” with Philippine partners in combating terrorist threat in all its forms and manifestations.

“A crime committed against civilians who had congregated for church services is shocking in its cynicism and cruelty. I expect that the masterminds and perpetrators of this crime will sustain the punishment they deserve,” he said.

“People in Russia share the grief of the victims’ friends and families and hope for a prompt recovery of the injured,” he added.

In a statement Tuesday, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said it is one with the Philippines in its fight against terrorism

“France utterly condemns the attack against the cathedral in Jolo Island last January 27, for which Daesh has claimed responsibility and which killed some 20 people and injured around 100 others, according to the information available,” its statement reads.

“France extends its condolences to the victims’ families, as well as to the Filipino people. It stands alongside the Philippines in the fight against terrorism,” it added.

‘Expressing solidarity’

The Japanese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday also offered “sincerest condolences” to the victims of the explosions.

“Such terrorist attacks shall never be tolerated. Japan firmly condemns this terrorist act in the strongest terms,” Ambassador to Manila Koji Haneda said as he expressed solidarity with the Philippine government.

Meanwhile, he reiterated Tokyo’s support to the peace process in Mindanao and the recently ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law.

“Japan will continue to support the Philippines in achieving sustainable peace and stability in Mindanao in accordance with the ongoing political transition process under the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” he stressed.

Further joining the international community in deploring the terror act, considered the worst in recent years, was United Kingdom Asia and the Pacific Minister Mark Field.

“Our prayers are with all the victims and their loved ones. The UK stands with the Philippines against terror and hatred,” he said in a tweet on his official account.

Twin explosions on Sunday morning ripped through the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu in the middle of a church service, killing 20 and injuring 112.

The entire Jolo is currently on lockdown as the perpetrators remain at large.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo dismissed the claims made by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) it is responsible for the cathedral attack, describing it as “propaganda”.