MANILA – The European Union on Wednesday condoled with the Philippines on Wednesday following a deadly van explosion in the restive Basilan province, which comes months after Manila rejected billions of pesos in aid from the regional bloc. The EU “is determined to combat terrorism around the world and expresses solidarity with the countries that are affected by this scourge,” said the bloc’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Franz Jessen. “I present my condolences to the families of the victims and have a friendly thought for the injured,” he added in a statement. Ten people were killed on Tuesday after a van allegedly loaded with explosives blew up at a military checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan on Tuesday. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombing, which it dubbed as a “martyrdom operation.” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque has described the Basilan bombing as a “war crime” apparently aimed at civilians. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the latest terrorist attack in Basilan perpetrated in violation of our laws,” Roque said in a statement. President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly lambasted the EU for expressing concern over the thousands of killings under his anti-narcotics campaign. Duterte not sorry for tirade vs EU envoys The Philippine government in May turned down P13.89 billion in fresh grants from the EU, including those meant to help in the rehabilitation of Marawi City, which Islamic State sympathizers laid siege for 5 months last year. EU exploring ways to help PH despite aid rejection PH rejection of… [Read full story]
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