Binay condemns Yemen attack as ‘senseless act’

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Jejomar Binay condemned as a “senseless act” the suicide bomb attack in Yemen capital of Sana’a that left 52 people killed, including seven Filipinos.

“I condemn the bombing in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. It was a senseless act that has no place in the modern world,” Binay said in a statement Friday.

“I hope the Yemeni government will make sure that the families of the bombing casualties are extended all possible assistance they will be needing, particularly in the recovery and repatriation of the victims,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that one Filipino doctor and six medical workers were among the casualties, while 11 other Filipinos were injured.

Binay, who is the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers concerns, said that the families of the victims will be given help from the Philippine government.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez likewise condemned the attack calling it a “barbaric act.”

“We condemn this senseless and barbaric act and we call on the Yemeni government to bring the masterminds to justice and to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of Filipinos and other foreigners in Yemen,” he said.

There are some 1,000 Filipino workers in Yemen. Manila has raised crisis alert level 1 in the Arab state, advising Filipinos there to take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety, Hernandez said.

“We are still doing a thorough assessment of the overall security situation in the country. The public will be informed of further developments in due course,” he said.

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