PH condemns terrorist attack in Turkey that left 44 dead

People walk on a street decorated with a Turkish flag near the Besiktas football club stadium Vodafone Arena in Istanbul, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016 following the late Saturday explosion. Turkey declared a national day of mourning Sunday after twin blasts in Istanbul killed dozens of people and wounded many others near a soccer stadium — the latest large-scale assault to traumatize a nation confronting an array of security threats. AP FILE PHOTO

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday expressed condolences to the families of the 44 people killed in the twin bombings in Istanbul last December 10.

“The Philippines condemns in the strongest terms the latest terrorist attack on Turkey,” it said in a statement.

“We are one with Turkey and its people in its continued efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms,” the DFA said, adding that it is sending “sincerest condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones in this senseless attack.”

Turkey declared a national day of mourning a day after twin car-and-suicide bombings near a soccer stadium killed more than 40 people and wounded 166. Of the 44 killed, 30 were police officers.

Officials claimed that the attack targeted police officers.

READ: Turkey hunts for answers, buries dead after blasts kill 38

No Filipino was killed or injured in the said attack.

DFA said the embassy in Turkey “continues to issue advisories to the Filipino community to be vigilant and to avoid public places.” RAM