Pray for Paris

“ONCE again we’ve seen an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians. This is an attack not just on Paris, it’s an attack not just on the people of France, but this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values that we share.” – Pres. Barack Obama
Sharing his sentiments over the multiple terror attacks on Paris, France on Friday, Nov. 13, President Obama vowed to work with the French people and with nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice, and fight terrorism and extremism.
“Paris itself represents the timeless values of human progress. Those who think that they can terrorize the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong. The American people draw strength from the French people’s commitment to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness,” Obama said.
The terrorist attacks left at least 129 people dead and 352 wounded, shocking the world over ghastly images and videos of the bloodstained scenes from the attacks. Then came a worldwide silence for France as calls for prayers for the victims and their families flooded various social networking sites, as #jesuisfrance trended instantly. In this time of distraught, the world expressed its compassion and paid respects to the victims of this recent senseless violence that disrupted a peaceful country.
Although relieved that the over 50,000 Filipinos in France are safe, the Philippines joined in on the worldwide clamor and condemned the terrorist attacks, saying it showed not only a premeditated act of violence but also the cruelty that “demands the greatest indignation from the world.”
“The Philippines mourns the dead and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with France. At a time that demands heightened security from all of us, we ask Filipinos in Paris to heed the instructions of the authorities and for all of us to cooperate and be vigilant here at home,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
Pres. Benigno Aquino III deplored the senseless murders of the civilians escribing it as “atrocities that demand a united voice from the world in condemnation and grief.”
The world stands witness to how terrorism and genocide still linger. The world calls for justice, an accountability to the lives lost because of extremely unstable political and security situations. The world calls for peace. This is the moment where every nation and every citizen take a stand. We are all called to become a modern and civil society, to bring an all out war against terrorism and fight for peace.
The Paris attacks are like a recurring nightmare. Who’s to say that the world is gaining momentum in its fight against terrorism when everyday we are reminded by its horrors?
As an offshoot to these latest news of violence and terrorism, people are alerted to remain vigilant. Confronting this looming threat goes beyond the power of the governments. It will require resolute citizens to take a stand and confront it. This also means understanding terrorism — why it exists and why it has had adverse consequences on humanity. (AJPress)