Press Release No. 076-03
5 March 2003
STATEMENT
OF FOREIGN SECRETARY BLAS F. OPLE ON THE BOMBING IN DAVAO
Once again terrorism has reared its ugly head and has claimed civilian lives.
Given that the bomb was planted in a crowded area at the Davao City Airport,
it is clear that the intent of the cowards who carried out this monstrous,
evil act was obviously and quite simply to inflict death and destruction upon
as many victims as possible.
While the perpetrators(s) bask in their dubious success, I wish to express
our deepest sympathies to the kith and kin of the victims,
innocent non-combatants all.
This carnage makes us grieve. But, as we bury our dead and nurse our
wounded back to health, there is no doubt that we must bring the bombers to
account for their foul deed and further steel our resolve to see to it that
they and their ilk are put out of business permanently.
The Philippines is not alone; other countries similarly victimized by terrorists
are also taking corresponding measures to defend themselves. We are currently
lining up a number of anti-terror agreements with our friends and allies towards
that end.
There is no overstating it -- this evil shall be stopped. The Filipino
people, as all civilized peoples everywhere, shall prevail. END