Anak Mindanao Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan on Monday aired fears of another bomb attack as she appealed to all Tausugs to stay home following the twin bombings that hit Jolo, Sulu.
The military reported that 15 persons, including the suspected suicide bomber, died during the two explosions that occurred at the food plaza on Barangay Walled City and near the Mt. Carmel Cathedral.
Sangcopan said Anak Mindanao condemns the senseless violence that targeted civilians and the military.
She noted that the second blast happened near the Catholic church which was the site of a bomb attack in January 2019. A total of 20 people were killed and 102 others were injured during the incident.
Involvement of the Abu Sayyaf Group appeared to be an angle being seriously looked into. The notorious terror group has recently absorbed losses in combat, including last week’s surrender of one of its top leaders, Abduljijad Susukan.
Sancopan called for sobriety in the wake of the chaos even as she urged local government units to prioritize the safety and security of communities from any further attacks.
The lady solon lamented that the bombing was staged while the whole country is facing the serious public health threat caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If pains me to see that notwithstanding the deaths and illnesses caused by COVID-19 , there are still people who chose to sow chaos and more deaths in the country,” she said.
The partylist lawmaker called on her fellow Tausugs to stay safe by refraining from going out of their homes unless necessary.
“We, Tausugs, are again confronted with a threat more fatal than COVID-19. I am appealing to all of you to please stay at home, be cautious and vigilant of your surroundings. Pray for the souls of the victims and their families instead,” said Sangcopan.