PHL condemns Brussels attacks as 'the very definition of cowardice' 

Malacañang on Wednesday condemned the coordinated terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium, as a "senseless" act of violence as it assured the Philippines' support in the global fight against extremism.

In a statement, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Tuesday's attacks on an airport and train station are "the very definition of cowardice, and have no place in any civilized society.”

He said the Philippines stands in solidarity with the Belgian people following the attacks, which left at least 30 dead and over 200 injured.

"During times of great challenge, Belgium has never failed to extend its support and kindness to the Filipino people. In the same spirit of friendship, we share in the sorrow of those who have lost loved ones; our administration is likewise in full support of the Belgian government and its people as they recover from these tragedies and pursue justice for the victims," Lacierda said.

"The Philippines, along with its many partners in the international community, will continue working to make such acts of extremism a thing of the past," he added.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombings at the Brussels Airport and the Maalbeek metro station that sparked international condemnation, expressions of support, and heightened security alert across Europe.

The Philippine Embassy already advised Filipinos in Belgium to avoid public areas and to exercise vigilance following Tuesday's coordinated terror assaults.

Around 7,000 Filipinos are living and working in Belgium.

In a Facebook post, Philippine Ambassador Victoria Bataclan urged Filipinos to exercise caution as Belgian authorities declared Alert Level 4, the highest security warning in the country.

“Stay where you are if you do not necessarily need to travel to and from Belgium, and spread caution around,” she said. —Xianne Arcangel/KBK, GMA News