Philippines condemns Mumbai terror attacks, steps up security

MANILA: The Philippines on Thursday condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in India and ordered stepped up security to prevent similar outrages at home.

"The entire Filipino nation and Filipinos around the world mourn with the families of those who died and were hurt because of the Mumbai attacks," presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said in a statement.

"We condemn these terroristic attacks against mankind," he said, adding that Manila was "united" with India in its quest to crush terror groups.

President Gloria Arroyo's National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said the attacks in India showed terrorists "can strike anywhere, at any time".

He said all government security agencies have been alerted to prevent similar attacks in the Philippines, where local terror groups with links to Al-Qaeda have carried out deadly bombings.

Diplomats are checking whether Filipinos were among those killed, wounded or taken hostage in Mumbai.

The Philippines is a key anti-terror ally of the US government in Southeast Asia. Washington has been helping governments in the region battle several Al-Qaeda-linked groups, including the Abu Sayyaf operating out of Mindanao island.