DAVAO CITY — Civic and political leaders condemned the recent bombings in Jolo, Sulu which killed 14 people and wounded 75 others in a broad daylight attack on Monday.
This developed as all personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the entire Southwestern Mindanao has been placed on heightened alert on Monday following two explosions in Jolo, Sulu.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the explosion incidents in Jolo, Sulu today, which left scores dead and wounded, including soldiers. We likewise condole with the families and loved ones of those who died in these tragic incidents,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.
Authorities are now conducting an investigation, which includes identifying individuals or groups behind these dastardly attacks.
The Palace also called on the people and the residents of Jolo “to stay vigilant and report suspicious personalities and unattended items in their areas.”
In a statement, PCG Commandant, Admiral George Ursabia Jr., has declared the “red alert” specifically affecting PCG personnel in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
In addition to heightened security measures, the PCG said its personnel will support the forces of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its investigation into the bombings.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday called for justice as he strongly condemned the twin bombings that left at least 12 people dead, including seven soldiers, and more than 40 injured in Jolo, Sulu.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms these terrorist bombings that occurred in Jolo, Sulu today,” Go said in a video message following the terror attack in Mindanao
Jolo Bishop Charlie Inzon condemned the twin blasts that occurred in front of an eatery around 11:53 a.m. on Serrantes Street in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.
He urged the public to remain calm and be vigilant.
“Because of what happened here today, we appeal for your prayers for such an incident not to happen again. Let us pray for all the victims and people should stay calm,” the Catholic prelate said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas on Monday.
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The investigation, it said, is currently focused on identifying the perpetrators, “responding to casualties and ensuring the safety of the residents against succeeding threats”.
“Moreover, PCG K9 units, safety inspectors, and patrol boat operators are directed to be extra vigilant in securing ports, harbors, and other waterways in the region,” the PCG said.
It said that several K9 units are ready for deployment once requested by the AFP.
Earlier, two subsequent bombings rocked Jolo, Sulu; killing a total of nine people, including four soldiers, in the initial explosion that occurred around 11:53 a.m.
The second explosion, which occurred at 1:06 p.m., happened 100 meters away from the site of the first explosion, injuring responding soldiers and policemen.-with PNA report
