France grateful for Philippines’s support after Paris attacks

MANILA, Philippines – France expressed gratitude and said it was touched after the Philippines extended its sympathy in response to the terror attacks that left many dead in Paris, France last Saturday (Philippine time).

“We are deeply touched by the heartfelt expressions of support in the Philippines extended by President Benigno Aquino III, the national and local authorities, the people of the Philippines,” the French Embassy said in a statement on Sunday.

“France will always fight against extremism and stand for the values of democracy and human rights enshrined in our national motto ‘Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite' which was coined in Paris centuries ago,” it added. “Today we are all Parisians.”

The French capital came under a series of shooting and explosions coordinated in restaurants, bars, sports stadium Stade de France, and concert hall Bataclan Theater last Saturda. Islamic State of Iraq and Syria claimed responsibility for the attacks.

French President Francois Hollande earlier declared state of emergency and closed its borders following the deadly incidents. He also declared three days of national mourning.