US Embassy in Manila mourns death of colleagues in Libya, tightens security

US Enbassy. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The United States Embassy in Manila on Thursday mourned the deaths of their colleagues in Libya as police heightened its security measures at its building along Roxas Boulevard.

“We are deeply saddened by the deaths of Ambassador [Chris] Stevens and three of our colleagues in Libya. We echo President Obama’s and Secretary Clinton’s statements condemning the attack as a senseless act of violence,” Tina Malone, US embassy spokesperson said in an emailed message.

She added that US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas also offered prayers for their departed friends, and vowed to do their best to follow in their footsteps.

“We mourn this tragic loss, and the families of our departed friends and colleagues are in our thoughts and prayers.  We will do our best to honor and carry forward their memory and their service,” Malone quoted Thomas as saying.

US ambassador Chris Stevens and three others were killed in an attack on the US consulate in Benghazi late Tuesday by armed Islamists outraged over an American-made Internet video mocking Islam.

Radio reports said that following the attacks, the Manila Police District set up concrete barriers at the embassy’s main gate and deployed additional personnel to guard the embassy premises.

Malone, in her emailed message, said that the tightened security was part of the directive from US President Barack Obama Wednesday to increase security at diplomatic posts around the world. She added that the embassy remained open for regular business.

“The US Embassy appreciates the strong cooperation and support that we receive from the Philippine National Police and security authorities in this regard, and we remain open for regular business,” she said.