The Abu Sayyaf terrorist group (Source: BBC)“We condemn in the strongest possibleterms this barbaric act carried out by criminal elements preying on innocentcivilians. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of thevictims and stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Vietnam inthis trying time,” the statement said.
It stressed that “The Philippine Government isresolute in its commitment in ensuring that the perpetrators of this vile actwill be brought to justice.”
Relating to this issue, Vietnam’s Deputy ForeignMinister Vu Hong Nam had told the press that after receiving information on themurder of two suspected Vietnamese citizens on July 4 in the Philippines, theministry summoned the Chargé d' affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi,and at the same time the Embassy of Vietnam in the Philippines made contactwith relevant agencies of the host country asking to preserve the bodies andverify the identity of victims.
On July 5, the bodies of the victims werecarried by the Philippine army to a hospital in the Zamboanga region forpreservation and identification.
On July 6, the victims were verified asVietnamese citizens, namely Hoang Trung Thong and Hoang Van Hai, sailors ofRoyal 16 ship. They were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group inNovember 2016.
Right after receiving the verification of thevictims, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his deep sadnessand anger over the barbaric and inhuman murder of the terrorist group, andconveyed his condolences to the bereaved.
The PM said those who caused the death of thetwo Vietnamese citizens must be severely punished.
He called on the international community to joinhands to prevent terrorism.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stronglycondemned the murderous behaviour of the terrorist group and sent the deepestcondolences to family members of the victims.
Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Hong Nam said theministry will assist the victims’ families in funeral services as soon aspossible.
The Embassy of Vietnam in the Philippines willcontinue coordinating with the local competent agencies to support families ofthe victims to complete all necessary forensic and legal procedures to bring homethe bodies or remains of the deceased.
The foreign ministry will also request thePhilippine relevant agencies to ensure safety for Vietnamese citizens living inthe country.-VNA
VNA
