PHL joins intl community in condemning attack on Paris magazine office

12 dead in Paris shooting (screenshot from Associated Press footage)

MANILA — The Philippines on Thursday joined the international community in condemning the armed assault on the office of a Paris magazine, known for its satirical articles on radical Islam, calling the attack “senseless and appalling.”

“We join the French nation and the rest of the world in denouncing this blatant disregard for human lives and the fundamental right of expression,” a Department of Foreign Affairs statement said.

Twelve people, including two policemen, were killed in the worst attack in France in recent decades.

Charlie Hebdo or Charlie Weekly had published controversial articles on Islam and numerous caricatures ridiculing the Prophet Mohammad.

“We are appalled by the senseless attacks that took twelve innocent lives and wounded several others in Paris,” the DFA said.

“We condole and sympathize with the families of the victims as they mourn the loss of their loved ones and begin their quest for justice.”