PHL condemns shooting down of MH17, calls for accountability

The Philippine government on Saturday condemned the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, and urged the international community to hold those behind the "unconscionable" act accountable.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs also conveyed its "profound condolences" for all who died in the tragedy - three of them, Filipinos.

"It is of utmost importance that the international community come together to help determine those who are responsible for this brutal act against a civilian airliner in civilian airspace," it said.

The DFA said those responsible "should be made fully accountable for this unconscionable assault on a non-military aircraft that posed no threat whatsoever to any party."

The DFA added the international community should take concerted action to help reduce such tragedies all around the world.

"States and non-state elements in dispute should exercise restraint, respect international law, and search for the peaceful resolution of disputes," it added.

Malaysia Airlines said it lost contact with MH17 about 30 km from Tamak waypoint, some 50 km from the Russia-Ukraine border. MH17 was flying to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News