18 August 2005 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo today condemned the recent spate of bombings to grip Bangladesh as he expressed relief that no Filipinos were harmed in the blasts.  “While we are relieved that no Filipinos were harmed in a series of explosions to hit Bangladesh, the Philippines denounces such senseless acts of violence that have no place in the civilized and democratic world.   We support the Government of Bangladesh  in its actions to address this latest act of terrorism and reiterate our cooperation  with the international community of nations in combating this menace to peace loving peoples.”

Secretary Romulo issued this statement after receiving the report of Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh José Lino B. Guerrero that over 50 small-bomb explosions rocked Bangladesh around 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, 17 August 2005, triggering widespread panic among those fleeing from the bombed areas and injuring around 20 people.

Ambassador Guerrero informed Secretary Romulo that no Filipinos have been reported hurt in the near-simultaneous bomb blasts that occurred across Bangladesh.  According to figures of the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka, there are about 347 Filipinos in Bangladesh.

Secretary Romulo said he “conveys the sympathies of the Filipino people to our friends in Bangladesh.  The Philippine Government remains a true friend of the Bangladeshi Government and we stand by them in this challenge to their national security.”

Around 15 bombs exploded in the country’s capital Dhaka with dozens more in the port city of Chittagong, the northeastern city of Sylhet, and Mymensingh.  The blasts occurred near government offices, press clubs and courts.

Ambassador Guerrero reported to the Department that bombs exploded in almost all 64 districts of Bangladesh, triggering security alarms across the country.   Bangladeshi security forces have rushed to the explosion sites.  Police believe the bombs were locally-made and remote-controlled.  Authorities have since tightened security around Bangladesh and ordered a crackdown on possible suspects.

Ambassador Guerrero added that in Dhaka, bombs exploded outside the five-star Sheraton Hotel, near the Zia International Airport, and close to the Supreme Court.

Secretary Romulo immediately instructed Ambassador Guerrero and the Philippine Embassy to continue monitoring the situation all over Bangladesh, and be ready to render assistance to the Filipinos in that country. END