The Palace offered prayers and extended sympathies to the victims of a bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon that left three dead and at least 125 injured.
“The Boston Marathon is an annual celebration of the human spirit: of endurance, friendly competition, and community celebration. We condemn those who dared defile this event and who have cast such a pall of loss and suffering in the city of Boston and the entire United States,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
She added President Benigno Aquino III also offered his “deep sympathy, concern, and solidarity with the people of Boston.” The President’s family stayed in Boston from 1980 to 1983 before his father, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. decided to fly back to Manila. Senator Aquino was assassinated at the Manila International Airport in 1983.
“Boston is a city of bravery, openness, and liberty: this tragedy will not change these essential truths, and points of pride, for this great city,” Valte said.
According to reports, two explosions at the finish line killed three people, including an 8-year-old boy. At least four children, one as young as two years old, were among the injured. No Filipinos were reported injured in the blasts.
US President Barack Obama has said authorities have yet to find out who is behind the bombings. “But make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this … Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice,” he said.
