MANILA, April 10 -- The Philippine government has expressed its "profound concern" over a recent airstrike that hit Iran's consulate in Syria and killed seven, including diplomats.

The consulate, located next to the Iran Embassy's main building in Damascus, was struck by a missile attack on April 1, which was widely attributed to Israel.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Philippine Embassy in Iran emphasized that the sanctity of foreign embassies and missions must be respected at all times.

"The Philippines expresses its profound concern over the attack on the Iranian Embassy in Syria resulting in seven casualties. Diplomatic missions and their corresponding locations are sacrosanct, as well as the safety of diplomats and their families...