Panelo on US mail bomber Sayoc’s Filipino heritage: Terrorists know no race or ethnicity

Terrorists can come from anywhere, presidential spokesperson and Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador S. Panelo said on Sunday about Cesar Sayoc, the Trump supporter who allegedly sent bombs to former US President Barack Obama,former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and other Trump critics.

Sayoc has claimed Filipino ancestry, saying that his grandfather was a prominent surgeon in the Philippines. According to the Washington Post, his cousin also said that the 56-year-old has a Filipino father and an Italian mother.

“Terrorists know no race or ethnicity. They could be of any nationality or a descendant of any nationality,” Panelo said on a statement.

He added that terrorists are often "faceless" and "unseen."

“One thing, however, defines them: They are evil and capable of terrible deeds,” he said.

Sayoc was arrested on Friday for allegedly mailing at least 13 explosive devices to leading Democratic figures, former high-ranking officials and others.

Panelo said the "perverted cause" that people like Sayoc support is the reason that causes terrorism, not their nationality.

Panelo also said that the government is not worried about the safety of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The President is not bothered by any attempt against his life. The president will keep on protecting and serving the Filipino people with integrity, dedication, and fidelity," Panelo said. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News