US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr.
MANILA, Philippines—The US embassy has expressed sympathy on Monday for the victims of the ongoing insurgent attacks by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City.
At least six people have been reported killed while more than 20 others were being held hostage in the attack on several coastal villages on Monday.
In a statement, the US embassy sent its condolences to the relatives of the casualties in the pre-dawn standoff. “Whether they were brave members of the AFP and PNP or civilians facing their future one day at a time, we share your sorrow at the loss of friends and loved ones,” it said.
In the official Twitter account of US ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr., he sympathized with Zamboanga Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar saying “our thoughts and prayers go out to the peace-loving people of Zamboanga and their leadership @beng_climaco #PrayForZamboanga @PIANewsDesk.”
The US embassy also gave its support for the troops sent by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to defend the affected families and persons in Zamboanga.
It also lauded the AFP and PNP personnel saying “they are professionals dedicated to protecting their communities.”
“We fully support the ongoing peace process and hope the parties can continue to avoid violence as they work toward a final resolution that will last for generations and benefit all the people of the Philippines,” said in the statement released by the American embassy to Manila.
“We pray for peace and for calm to prevail in the current situation, that it be resolved soon and without further loss of life to anyone,” it added.