MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III joined other world leaders in condemning the Taliban school attack in Pakistan that has left at least 130 dead, calling the attack barbaric.

On Tuesday, December 16, hours after the incident, the President released a statement expressing his sympathies to the victims.

“Today, we join the world in condemning the outrage perpetrated on innocent schoolchildren, and school officials and personnel in Peshawar, Pakistan,” he said.

“The senseless deaths of so many young lives, and the barbarism of this attack is an affront to all civilized peoples. Such an act of terror and savagery deserves nothing less than our condemnation. There can be no justification for this tragedy, which has dishonored Islam.”

It added, “In this moment of grief and sadness for the people of Pakistan, the Filipino people are one with them in mourning. Today, every person of goodwill is a father, mother, brother, and sister to the people of Pakistan.”

The assault on an army-run school killed mostly students, as well as the 6 attackers. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. – Rappler.com