US thanks PH for condemning Boston run bombings

In this image from video provided by WBZ TV, spectators and runners run from what was described as twin explosions that shook the finish line of the Boston Marathon, Monday, April 15, 2013, in Boston. Two explosions shattered the euphoria of the Boston Marathon finish line on Monday, sending authorities out on the course to carry off the injured while the stragglers were rerouted away from the smoking site of the blasts. AP/WBZTV

MANILA, Philippines–The United States government on Wednesday thanked President Benigno Aquino and the Filipino people for denouncing the Boston Marathon bombing, which US President Barack Obama has described as an “act of terrorism.”

“On behalf of the Ambassador of the US Embassy, I would like to express our profound thanks to President Aquino for his condemnation of the tragic attacks in Boston, as well as the expression of solidarity and sadness from the Department of Foreign Affairs and from many, many individual Filipino citizens,” Charge de Affaires Brian Goldbeck said in his remarks at the closing ceremonies of the 2013 Balikatan Exercises held at Camp Aguinaldo.

“It’s part of our shared oneness (not only) as two countries, but as people together in democratic values,” he added.

Three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were killed while more than a hundred were injured in the twin explosions in Boston on Monday.

Marine Lt. Gen. Terry Robling, US Exercise Director of the 2013 Balikatan Exercises, said that he and the American troops here were “very, very saddened to hear the news on the Boston bombing.”

“I know it has been declared a terrorist act by our President and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is involved. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and to the people of Boston who are tragic victims in this terrorist act,” Robling told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.