2 April 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today said that  the attacks against Filipinos in Northern Ireland are totally unacceptable and  that the Department will do all it can to protect the rights and ensure the  safety of the Filipinos.

“These attacks against our nationals are unacceptable.  They live and work in  peace and harmony and make meaningful contributions to their respective  communities. They deserve the full protection of the authorities of the host  government,” the Secretary said.

“I spoke today with United Kingdom Ambassador Paul Dimond to convey these strong  sentiments and to ask that all actions be taken to ensure the safety and protect  our nationals and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.

“Ambassador Dimond assured me that his government is taking this matter very  seriously and is already acting to protect our Filipinos,” she added.  The  Secretary also said that she had instructed the Philippine Embassy in London to  look into the matter and to work closely with local authorities.

When asked if she believed that the attacks were racially motivated, she said  that “While I would prefer to hear the official version from the government of  the United Kingdom, I would be deeply saddened if these attacks are indeed  racially motivated,” the Secretary said.

“As a people, we place the highest value on tolerance and on the importance of  being able to live with others of different faiths, beliefs or races.  If these  are truly racially motivated attacks, then it is our hope and expectation that  appropriate actions will be taken not only to prevent further attacks but to  address the root causes of intolerance,” according to the Secretary. END.