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A Catholic Church in Jolo, Sulu was bombed on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2018. AFP Wesmincom
MANILA- (UPDATE) The international community has condemned the deadly attack at a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu that left at least 20 people dead and dozens injured.
Several countries sent their sympathies to the Philippines following Sunday's attack. The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
Australian envoy Steve Robinson offered his condolences to Filipinos who lost their loved ones as he warned Australians on traveling to restive Mindanao.
"My thoughts are with those who lost loved ones and those affected by the attack in Sulu. I reaffirm Australia’s strong condemnation of all acts of terror. A timely reminder to Australians to stay up to date with our travel advice," he said in a tweet.
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CANADA
In condemning the attack, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled it as a "despicable act of cowardice" and offered condolences to affected families.
"An attack on people attending Sunday services is a despicable act of cowardice, and Canada strongly condemns today’s cathedral bombing in Jolo, Philippines. My deepest condolences to all the families affected by this tragedy," he said in a tweet.
EUROPEAN UNION
The EU condemned the church bombings as an attack on people's basic right to practice religion, and affirmed its commitment to peace efforts in southern Philippines.
"The European Union sends its sincere condolences to the many victims of today’s bombing during Mass in the Cathedral of Jolo in the southern Philippines," it said in a statement Sunday.
"A human tragedy, this is also an attack against the basic right to practice one’s religion. The European Union fully supports the Mindanao Peace Process and last week’s plebiscite on greater Bangsamoro regional autonomy. The EU plans to continue such support in the future," it added.
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FRANCE
France condemned the church bombings as it affirmed its commitment to counterterrorism efforts along with the Philippines.
"France extends its condolences to the victims' families, as well as to the Filipino people. It stands alongside the Philippines in the fight against terrorism," its Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a statement Tuesday.
UNITED NATIONS
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for justice for victims of the deadly church attacks and condoled with affected Filipino families.
"The Secretary-General calls for the perpetrators of these crimes to be swiftly brought to justice. He reiterates the support of the United Nations to the Government and people of the Philippines in their efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism, and to carry forward the peace process in Bangsamoro region," the UN said in a statement.
UN SECURITY COUNCIL
The UN Security Council meanwhile condemned the attack, noting that perpetrators and supporters of terrorism should be held accountable.
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"The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," it said in a statement Tuesday.
"The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed," the council added.
UNITED STATES
US envoy Sung Kim said on Monday Washington "will do everything possible" to support Philippine troops following Sunday's church bombings.
"My deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of life in Jolo. We condemn this senseless violence and we will do everything possible to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines," he said in a tweet.
VATICAN
Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the twin bombings and offered prayers that God would convert the hearts of the perpetrators.
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Francis, speaking at a hospice for AIDS sufferers on the last day of his trip in Panama, expressed his "firm condemnation of this act of violence that causes more mourning in the Christian community. I pray for the dead and the injured. May the Lord, prince of peace, convert the hearts of the violent ones."-with a report from Reuters
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