THE PHILIPPINES, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), expressed its condolences following the terror attack in New York City on Oct. 31 involving a man who used a rented truck to run over pedestrians in downtown Manhattan. “The Philippines extends its deepest sympathies and is one with the United States Government and the American people in condemning this unspeakable act of terror,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano said in a statement. “Our hearts reach out to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident in Manhattan… we also pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured,” he added. No Filipinos were reported to be among the casualties, according to the Philippine Consulate General in New York, but it advised the Filipino community “to exercise extra caution if they would still want to participate in the annual Halloween parade that will be held on Tuesday evening near the scene of the incident.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

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