Phl condemns Paris terror attack

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines condemned yesterday the terrorist attack on the offices of the French magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the senseless attack has appalled the Philippine government.

“We join the French nation and the rest of the world in denouncing this blatant disregard for human lives and the fundamental right of expression,” read the statement.

“We are appalled by the senseless attacks that took 12 innocent lives and wounded several others in Paris. 

“We condole and sympathize with the families of the victims as they mourn the loss of their loved ones and begin their quest for justice.”  

France to protect freedom

France vowed yesterday to continue to strive and protect freedom following the heinous attack in Paris on Wednesday that killed 12 people, including four cartoonists from the French satirical rag Charlie Hebdo.

In a statement yesterday, the French embassy in Manila said the barbaric act sought to silence by fear.

“Instead, we are all reminded that the foundation of a world of peace and tolerance is one where anybody can express their thoughts and creativity freely,” read the statement.

“It is this freedom that France, together with the rest of the world, strives and will continue to protect.

“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, as well as with all the journalists who fight for press freedom and with all those who uphold the universal right to freedom of expression.”

UNESCO expresses horror

The director-general of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has expressed horror over the attack against the media and against freedom of expression.

 In a statement, Irina Bokova said the attack was more than a “personal tragedy” that provided more motivation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“UNESCO is more determined than ever to protect the free and independent press,” she said.

“The international community cannot let extremists sow terror and prevent the free flow of opinions and ideas.”

Bokova said UNESCO has lowered the flag to half-mast at its Paris headquarters in solidarity with France, and to respect the dead and injured.

“Never before has one media outlet been so deliberately targeted and its staff decimated in an act of such extreme violence,” she said.

“Today’s unprecedented and horrifying attack is a tragic reminder to us all that the right to freedom of expression is fragile, and that those who defend it may pay the ultimate price for doing so.

“At the same time, the spontaneous demonstrations that this appalling crime has provoked across France and around the world – the outpouring of sorrow and anger expressed by citizens from all faiths – also reveal that freedom of expression is a right that is cherished and understood by all as being at the heart of healthy, functioning societies.” –  With Edith Regalado