Japan, French Embassies in Philippines condole with Jolo blast victims

MANILA, Philippines — The Embassies of Japan and France in the Philippines have expressed their condolences with the victims of twin blasts that rocked a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu which left 20 people killed and 100 wounded.

“Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda offers his sincerest condolences to the victims of two atrocious bombing incidents occurred on Sunday morning at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, and expresses his sympathies to all those affected,” Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said in a statement.

The Japanese Embassy added that it condemned the terrorist attack, noting that it would continue to support the Philippines on promoting peace and stability in Mindanao.

“Japan firmly condemns this terrorist act in the strongest terms. Japan stands with the Philippines when the Government and people of the Philippines are overcoming this difficulty in solidarity,” the embassy said.

“Also 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,” it added.

The French Embassy to the Philippines echoed the Japanese Embassy, saying it stands with the Philippines in fighting terrorism.

“France utterly condemns the attack against the cathedral on Jolo Island yesterday, for which Daesh has claimed responsibility and which killed some 20 people and injured around 100 others, according to the information available,” the French Embassy said in a statement.

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