By Filane Mikee Cervantes/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday called for unity in the wake of the deadly bombings in Sri Lanka that killed more than 300 people.
Gatchalian said the horrific acts committed during Easter Sunday were clearly perpetrated to further sow division among Muslims and Christians.
“While we should remain vigilant against such violence, we must not let those behind these attacks get what they want. Now more than ever, each and everyone of us — regardless of race, color, gender, or religion — should band together and show the world that there is no place for such hatred,” he said.
Gatchalian also extended his deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who were killed and injured in what he described as a “coordinated act of terrorism” in the island nation.
“While I am relieved that no Filipinos were hurt during the blasts, I grieve for those who were senselessly murdered and wounded,” he added.
The attacks started Sunday morning as explosions were reported from the St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade in capital Colombo and another from the St. Sebastian Church in Negombo, at the outskirts of the capital.
A third explosion was reported from the Zion Church in Batticaloa in the east.
Explosions were also reported from three star-class hotels in Colombo while on Sunday afternoon an explosion was reported from a hotel, opposite the zoo in Dehiwala, in Colombo and another from a housing complex in Dematagoda, in Colombo.
The attacks marked the deadliest violence in Sri Lanka since a bloody civil war ended 10 years ago.
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