Messages of support continue to pour in from world leaders and overseas Filipinos in support of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s leadership, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople announced today.

“I have received the strong assurances of support and expressions of confidence from world leaders for the administration and actions of the President,” the Secretary said, referring to the current developments in Makati. He added that in conveying their support for the President, foreign governments have also condemned the action taken by the rebels in Makati.

“We deeply appreciate these messages of support.  I also assured these leaders that their diplomats and citizens are safe,” the Secretary said.

“We are also very grateful for the swift action taken by the overseas Filipino communities in expressing their full support for our government.  I am personally and deeply touched by the support shown by our overseas Filipinos.  Their ties to our country remain strong and indelible,” the Secretary said.

“We have received messages from the capitals of a number of countries as well as through their embassies in Manila,” according to the Secretary.

“I spoke to Australian Foreign Minister early this morning and he was categorical in his government’s support for the President and in his condemnation of the actions of the rebels,” the Secretary revealed.

“Singapore has also sent its formal message of support, for which we are grateful,” the Secretary said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore also issued the following statement that they faxed to the DFA:

“We are concerned about the developments in Manila and we are monitoring the situation. The resort to unconstitutional means by the rebels is unacceptable. We have full confidence in President Arroyo’s Government in restoring order.”

“I am also in touch with our Ambassadors in the different world capitals and they have informed me that their host governments intend to send messages of support, even though these events are happening over the weekend,” Secretary Ople said.

Ople also acknowledged a message sent by the United States government which was read by US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone in a press conference earlier today, that underscores the Bush administration’s full support to the Arroyo administration.

Part of the Washington statement reads:

“The United States stands fully behind her (PGMA) in this crisis. We salute her determination to resolve the situation peacefully and with all due patience. “

“No one should be under any doubt that we fully support the legitimate, civilian government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”

The Secretary said that the Department will continue to be actively involved in ensuring that the international community, including Filipinos overseas, are properly informed of the policies and actions of the Philippine Government regarding the situation in Makati. END.