(Update) RP to step up security in light of Mumbai attacks
abs-cbnNEWS.com; AFP | 11/27/2008 12:01 PM
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MANILA - The Philippines on Thursday condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in India and ordered stepped up security to prevent similar outrages at home.
"The entire Filipino nation and Filipinos around the world mourn with the families of those who died and were hurt because of the Mumbai attacks," presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said in a statement.
"We condemn these terroristic attacks against mankind," he said, adding that Manila was "united" with India in its quest to crush terror groups.
President Gloria Arroyo's National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said the attacks in India showed terrorists "can strike anywhere, at any time".
He said all government security agencies have been alerted to prevent similar attacks in the Philippines, where local terror groups with links to Al-Qaeda have carried out deadly bombings.
The Philippines is a key anti-terror ally of the US government in Southeast Asia. Washington has been helping governments in the region battle several Al-Qaeda-linked groups, including the Abu Sayyaf operating out of Mindanao island.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Esteban Conejos, citing reports from the Philippine embassy in New Delhi and the honorary consulate in Mumbai, said there have been "no reported Filipino casualties in the bomb explosions in Mumbai."
He said the "embassy and the consulate will continue to coordinate with authorities to ascertain and ensure delivery of assistance to Filipino nationals, if any, affected by the incidents."
