US, EU, UK condemn Jolo blasts

MANILA, Philippines — The United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom yesterday condemned the bombings in Jolo, Sulu on Monday that claimed the lives of 14 soldiers and civilians.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell offered his deepest condolences to those affected by the bombings in Jolo.

“We condemn this senseless attack and stand by the people of the Philippines,” the US State Department Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs said in a message on its official Twitter account.

US Ambassador Sung Kim said the US joined the Philippine government in condemning the attacks.

“We join the Philippine government in condemning these attacks, and will continue to support our Filipino partners to strengthen national security,” Kim tweeted.

The EU “stands with Philippine authorities in condemning these attacks.”

“We all stand united against the scourge of terrorism,” the EU said in a statement.

The UK also condemned the terror attacks. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of the innocent victims of the #JoloBlasts. The UK condemns all acts of terrorism,” British Ambassador Daniel Pruce said on Twitter.

The Chinese embassy said it is “deeply shocked and saddened by the bombings in Jolo.”

“We join the Philippine government in condemning the attacks, and express sincere condolences to the injured and the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” the embassy said.