Philippine murder: Emmanuel Macron reacts from Canada

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke from Canada on Thursday, September 26, following the murder of Filipina. He strongly condemned the act, calling it an “abominable and appalling crime”, and reaffirmed the State’s determination to see justice done.

Philippine, a 19-year-old student at Paris-Dauphine University, had been reported missing before her body was finally found buried in the Bois de Boulogne during a search operation organized by her relatives last weekend. The young woman’s disappearance had been reported by her family after she had not been heard from since midday on Friday, when she was last seen.

“Of course, justice will do its duty, and the services of the State will take all necessary measures”, assured Emmanuel Macron. He also expressed his solidarity with the victim’s loved ones, and insisted on respecting the family’s pain. “Above all, I wish to testify to the nation’s solidarity and affection for this bereaved family”, added the President, urging everyone to respect their mourning.

The President stressed that the public authorities would continue to act to guarantee the safety of all: “Each member of the government fully assumes his or her responsibilities and strives to better protect citizens day after day”.

The President emphasized that the public authorities will continue to act to guarantee everyone’s safety: “Every member of the government fully assumes his or her responsibilities and strives to better protect citizens day after day.”

Developments in the investigation

A 22-year-old suspect of Moroccan nationality was arrested in Switzerland on Tuesday. Already convicted of rape, he was under an obligation to leave French territory. An investigation into rape and homicide has been opened in Paris. Philippine’s funeral will be held this Friday at Saint-Louis Cathedral.

The whole nation remains shocked by this tragedy, and the President has reiterated his determination to reinforce protective measures to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Comments that speak volumes

Questioned on the sidelines of the President’s speech, a number of people expressed their deepest sympathy for this family, which has been devastated forever. They point out that, for Nahel’s tragic death, the cost of the demonstrations was close to 300 million euros. What will happen to Philippine’s appalling murder? And to conclude, in a tone close to anger: there really is a double standard in our society.