PH condemns assassination of Russian envoy to Turkey

Members of a Turkish forces honor guard carry the Russian flag-draped coffin of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov who was assassinated Monday, as an officer, left, holds his picture during a ceremony at the airport in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. Turkey and Russia are more committed than ever to advance peace efforts in Syria, the two countries’ foreign ministers declared Tuesday, a day after the killing in an attack both countries described as an attempt to disrupt their improved ties. (Photo by EMRAH GUREL/AP)

The Philippine government on Thursday condemned the assassination of Russian ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov, who was killed by a Turkish gunman in a photo exhibition earlier this week.

The Department of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with the Russian Federation “in the wake of this unfortunate tragedy and its efforts to combat terror in all its forms.”

READ: Angry at war in Syria, Turkish gunman kills Russian ambassador in Ankara

“The Philippines condemns, in the strongest terms, the heinous attack on Russian ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov.  A career diplomat with forty years of public service, Ambassador Karlov will be remembered and honored for his dedication to his country,” the DFA said in a brief statement.

Photographs showed Karlov, who opened a photo exhibit in Ankara, lying flat on the ground after he was shot in the back at least eight times.

READ: Moscow doubts killer of ambassador was a lone wolf

The assassin, identified as 22-year-old Mevlut Mert Altintas of Ankara’s riot police squad, was heard shouting “Don’t forget Aleppo! Don’t forget Syria!” and “Allahu akbar (God is great!)” The man was dressed in dark suit and tie.

He was killed in a police operation after refusing to surrender.

Russia flew a team of 18 investigators and foreign ministry officials to Turkey for an official investigation. President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he doesn’t believe the gunman acted on his own. JE