Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople yesterday joined the global community in condemning in the strongest possible terms the latest terrorist attacks in India’s commercial capital, Bombay, also known as Mumbai on Monday, 25 August.  The Secretary also confirmed that no Filipinos were injured in the attacks.

At the same time the Philippines expresses its confidence and support to the government of India as it works to bring to justice the perpetrators of the horrible act.

Government authorities reported that 53 persons were confirmed dead, at the latest count, and over 150 were injured in the twin blasts reportedly caused by car bombs in taxicabs. The explosions were aimed at the Gateway of India and the Mumba Devi Temple.

“The Philippines strongly condemns these detestable terrorist attacks.  At a time when peace-loving nations are gaining headway in forging agreements on cooperation to combat transnational crimes associated with terrorism, one horrid attack like this will only find us more resolute in our counter-terrorism efforts,” Secretary Ople firmly stated.

“I echo President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s call for sustained vigilance, not only in the region but globally, if we are to combat this menace,” he added. At the same time, the Secretary extended his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims of the blasts.

Meantime, Secretary Ople commended Philippine Ambassador Jose Del Rosario’s quick action in checking for any Filipino who may have been hurt in the blasts as well as the efforts of the Philippine Honorary Consul in Bombay, Mr. Retnasamy Fwaminathan. END.