PHL condemns terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey

The Philippine government on Monday condemned the twin bomb blasts in Ankara, Turkey on Saturday which led to the deaths of at least 128 people.

"The Philippines condemns in the strongest possible terms the inhumane and dastardly terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Ankara, Turkey on 10 October 2015, who were gathering in support of peace. We share the grief and sorrow of the Turkish nation," the statement sent by the Department of Foreign Affairs sent to media said.

The bombs were set off near Ankara's main train station by two suspected suicide attackers while a crowd of leftist and pro-Kurdish activists gathered at an anti-government peace rally. It was considered the deadliest attack in the history of modern Turkey, a Reuters report said.

"The Philippines affirms its commitment to peace and adherence to the rule of law and, together with the international community, stands by Turkey in its fight against terrorism," the statement said.

Pope Francis on Sunday said he was deeply saddened by the killing of defenseless people in the bomb blasts.

The Turkish government on Sunday said it is investigating if the Islamic State is behind the suspected suicide bombing. Opponents of Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, on the other hand, blamed him for the attack. —KG, GMA News