Palace condemns New Zealand attack; condoles with victims’ families

Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has condemned the mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand that killed and injured scores of innovent civilians.

“The Philippines joins all peace-loving nations and peoples around the world in condemning, in the strongest and in no uncertain terms, this assault on the faithful in places of worship,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement on Saturday.

The Palace official said “this reprehensible act has no place in a civilized world. The Philippines rebukes all efforts to sow terror and fear between and among peoples.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the mass shooting incidents as “one of New Zealand’s darkest days,” as authorities charged one person, detained three others and defused explosive devices in what appeared to be a carefully planned racist attack.

Arden also said that the shooting incidents represented “an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence” as it left at least 49 dead and 48 injured.

READ: NZ shootings seen as racist attack; 49 dead

Malacañang then urged the public to remain steadfast and be united in this time of grief and outrage.

“There has to be a universal unified action as well as a conscious and determined effort to neutralize and demolish any attempt at destabilizing the order in societies and the tranquility of their citizens and secure the safety of lives and properties of the inhabitants of the globe,” Panelo said.

“We cannot allow ourselves to be held hostage by fear and intimidation sown by terrorists and psychologically challenged persons and live in an endangered environment. With unity in action against the enemies of the states, we shall prevail,” he added.

He then offered its condolences to the families of those killed in the incident, as he also condoles with the people of New Zealand.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident, and we pray for strength and speedy recovery of those who were injured,” Panelo said.

At least 5,000 members of the Filipino community in Christchurch were already advised to remain indoors as the Department of Foreign Affairs continue to monitor the situation in the said area. /jpv

READ: DFA: Philippine Embassy monitoring shooting in New Zealand