PH urges nations to unite to determine those responsible for ‘brutal act’ on MH17

A woman lays flowers near a sign reading “Putin kills children” in front of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Kiev on July 18, 2014 to pay tribute to the 298 people who died after flight MH17 of Malaysia Airlines crashed in rebel-held east Ukraine. The Boeing 777 came down in cornfields in the separatist-held region yesterday, spraying debris and body parts for kilometres around, with the United States claiming it was shot down in a missile attack. AFP PHOTO/ SERGEI SUPINSKY

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines on Saturday condemned the “brutal act” of shooting down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine that claimed the lives of 298 people, including three Filipinos.

“We convey our profound condolences for all who perished in this tragedy,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

“Those responsible should be made fully accountable for this unconscionable assault on a non-military aircraft that posed no threat whatsoever to any party,” it added.

The DFA said the international community should unite to help determine those responsible for the “brutal act” and to take concerted action to help reduce such tragedies all around the world.

“States and non-state elements in dispute should exercise restraint, respect international law, and search for the peaceful resolution of disputes,” it said.
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