MANILA-- The Embassy of Turkey in Manila on Friday commemorated the deadly coup attempt led by a small Turkish military faction which belonged to the Fetullah Gülen movement that launched coordinated operations in July 2016 to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
At least 250 people were killed and injured thousands, including civilians during the botched military uprising.
The commemoration of the event was attended by dozens of diplomats at the New World Hotel in Makati City.
The Turkish government believes that Fetullah Gülen, leader of religious movement "Hizme" was responsible for the coup try.
The movement, which the Turkey government refers to as the"Fetullah Gülen Terror Group" or FETO, has affiliates in 160 countries, including the Philippines.
"The true evil nature of this organization came to light over time and the relevant Turkish authorities began identifying its members and took action against their illegal activities. They saw no choice but to resort to a violent, bloody terrorist coup attempt, as witnessed on July 15, 2016," Ambassador Esra Cankorur said in her speech.
She said the group disguises themselves as a "moderate, tolerant and peaceful movement supposedly engaged in education, charity, interfaith dialogue and cultural activities."
Described as a "complex" topic that needs further comprehension, Cankorur advised the public to stay vigilant.
In a presentation, the embassy also cited testimonies from officers confessing their affiliation with the movement, as well as video recordings and communications between the coup plotters.
After more than two years of investigations, the embassy said Turkish authorities gathered pieces of evidence pointing to the "unmistakable imprint of FETO behind the coup attempt."
Earlier, Cankorur identified its affiliates in the Philippines, one being a school in Zamboanga established in 1990s and two other schools in Manila. (PNA)
