MANILA, Philippines – The colors of France lit up the media center for a key regional summit on Monday evening, November 16, as world leaders meet days after terrorist attacks in several locations killed at least 129 people in Paris.
The newly installed light display shows the colors of the French flag – blue, white, and red – at the entrance of the International Media Center for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which the Philippines is hosting.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with you,” said a scrolling message as part of the light display.
APEC organizers displayed these colors “in solidarity” with France, Philippine Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told Rappler.
The tragedy in Paris, after all, is also seen to influence the talks at least on the sidelines of the mainly economic APEC Summit.
Other buildings worldwide, ranging from the Sydney Opera House in Australia to One World Trade Center in New York, were lit up in the colors of the French flag.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III earlier condemned the terrorist attacks in the French capital.
Philippines vows ‘higher security’
“In our time of need, France and her people stood shoulder to shoulder with the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. We stand with France now, in the firm belief that the light must never dim in Paris,” Aquino said.
At the same time, the Philippines vowed “higher security” for world leaders, including US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping, visiting the Philippines for the APEC Summit.
The Philippines also warned its nationals in France to remain vigilant.
“Everyone is requested to exercise vigilance and caution and to be aware of their surroundings, with the view to ensuring their personal security,” the Philippine Embassy in Paris said in a statement Monday.
The Philippine Embassy said families of victims needing assistance can call this hotline opened by French authorities: 0800-40-60-05.
For any emergency, Filipinos in France can also contact the Philippine Embassy in Paris at 06-20-59-25-15. – with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com