PH gov’t ‘appalled’, denounces Paris attack

Department of Foreign Affairs building. INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government on Thursday denounced the killing of 12 people and the wounding of 11 others in Paris by masked gunmen who stormed the offices of a satirical newspaper in Paris, France.

“We condemn the terror attack that killed journalists and policemen in Paris,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told INQUIRER.net several hours after the shooting, which French President Francois Hollande said was a terrorist attack.

Coloma said freedom of expression and of the press must continue to be upheld and protected.

It followed an earlier statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that said it was “appalled by the senseless attacks.”

The agency said it was one with France and the rest of the world in denouncing the “blatant disregard for human lives and the fundamental right of expression.”

“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,” the DFA added.

As of this posting, the youngest of the three suspects, an 18-year-old man, has surrendered to authorities. A manhunt continues for the two others who are brothers.

A video of the incident showed the perpetrators shouting “Allahu akbar!,” Arabic for “God is great,” as shots were fired along a street near the office of Charlie Hebdo, a publication known for its controversial satirical content.

Some reports said the attackers fired indiscriminately inside the newsroom while others said the staff were first identified and segregated before being executed.

Among those killed were the editor of the publication, another cartoonist and two police officers.

RELATED STORIES

France attack suspect gives up; police hunting 2 others
Tens of thousands join France rallies for attack victims