Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople condemned today’s bombing in Jakarta, saying that the terrorists who carried out this attack are sadly mistaken if they think that such acts will weaken the common resolve of nations to fight terror.

“The Philippines condemns this dastardly attack and shares with the brave people and Government of Indonesia their fervent hope that the terrorists responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice,” the Secretary said.

An explosion tore through part of the luxury JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta's main business district today, leaving several people dead, according to news reports. The blast damaged a restaurant and part of the lobby of the hotel in the Auningang district south of the city center while window panels were shattered for several floors.

“The Philippines offers its profound sympathies to the government of Indonesia and to the families and friends of the victims.  We pray for the early and safe recovery of those injured,” the Secretary said

“We are in direct contact with our Embassy in Jakarta and, at this time, thankfully, we have no reports of any Filipinos being hurt or injured,” the Secretary said.  He added that the Philippine Embassy is working closely with local authorities and Filipino Community leaders to ascertain that all Filipinos in Jakarta are safe.

The Secretary also said that Indonesia could continue to expect the full support and cooperation of the Philippine Government. “Nothing will stop us in our common search for justice and in our fight against terror,” the Secretary said.  News reports note that the blast comes just two days before a court is due to hand down the first verdict in the trials of Islamic militants accused of carrying out the bombing of two nightclubs on the Indonesian resort island of Bali last year. END.