Duterte extends sympathies to Ariana Grande concert blast victims

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday expressed his sympathies to the victims of the deadly explosion that rocked Manchester Arena in England after a concert of American popstar Ariana Grande.

"Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte sends his deepest sympathies and concern to the families of the dead and wounded in the Manchester incident; as well as appreciation for the excellent handling by police/security forces," presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

At least 22 people, including some children, were killed and 59 wounded when a suicide bomber struck as thousands of fans streamed out of Grande's concert — the deadliest militant assault in Britain since four British suicide bombers killed 52 people in London's transport system in July 2005.

"We are in solidarity with the United Kingdom in addressing and combating violent extremism," Abella said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said the incident was being treated as a terrorist attack. Greater Manchester Police said the attacker died after detonating an "improvised explosive device."

Duterte is in Russia for a four-day official visit where he is expected to check out its arsenal for anti-terrorism operations. He also previously expressed interest in purchasing precision-guided weapons from Russia. —KBK, GMA News