PRESIDENT AQUINO'S STATEMENT ON THE TRAGEDY IN SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT, U.S.

"At this time of the deepest mourning over the tragic loss of life in Connecticut, I extend the deepest sympathy and solidarity to the families of those who lost loved ones in Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Together with the entire Filipino people, we stand beside you with bowed heads, yet in deep admiration over the manner in which the American people have reached out to comfort the afflicted, and to search for answers that will give meaning and hope to this grim event.

We pray for healing, and that this heartbreak will never be visited on any community ever again."