3 March 2004 – Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Rafael E. Seguis today condemned Tuesday’s terrorist attack in Quetta, southwest Pakistan, in which at least 50 people were killed and 140 wounded.

“The Philippines strongly condemns this terrorist attack.  This attack shows the callous disregard the terrorists have for the value of life and is made even more morally reprehensible by the fact that the attack was directed against people, including women and children, who were observing the holiest day of their faith,” Acting Secretary Seguis said.

“We would like to convey to the Government of Pakistan and to the families of the victims our deepest sympathies.  We pray for the safe and speedy recovery of those injured. We are confident that the authorities will capture those guilty of this atrocity,” he added.

The Acting Secretary said that the Philippines hopes that there will be an end to sectarian violence in all parts of the world. “We call for tolerance and respect for the faith of others.  We call for dialogue to settle historical and religious differences.  We call for an end to the cycle of violence that has been fueled by hatred and intolerance,” the Acting Secretary said.

The Acting Secretary said that there have been no reports of Filipinos killed or injured by Tuesday’s attack.  “Our Embassy in Islamabad is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with the Filipino Community in Pakistan.  Our Embassy is working with local authorities and the Filipino Community to ensure the safety of Filipinos in Pakistan,” Acting Secretary Seguis explained. END