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Malacanang condemns twin bomb blasts in Jolo, killing 11 people
Malacanang condemns twin bomb blasts in Jolo, killing 11 people
Malacañang has strongly condemned the two deadly explosions in Jolo, Sulu on Monday and promised an investigation is under way to pin down the perpetrators.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque also appealed for public vigilance following the "dastardly attacks" that left several people dead and over a dozen injured.
(JOEY DALUMPINES / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"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,” Roque said.
"Authorities are now conducting an investigation, which includes identifying individuals or groups behind these dastardly attacks,” he said.
He urged that residents of Jolo must stay vigilant and report suspicious personalities and unattended items in their areas.
The military has reported that the first blast rocked a town plaza Monday noon. A motorcycle with an improvised explosive device exploded near a military truck, killing five soldiers and four civilians.
The second blast, reportedly carried out by a suicide bomber, went off shortly after in the next street. A soldier was killed in that second attack.
Twenty people were reportedly injured in the latest explosions that occurred in the trouble-plagued Sulu.
In a separate statement, Presidential Communications Operation Martin Andanar denounced the twin blasts in Jolo and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
"Grave acts against humanity, such as these, have no place in our society, especially as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Andanar Said.
Andanar also promised the government will bring to justice those behind the attack, which he described as a "morally reprehensible event."
"As an investigation is being conducted on the matter, the government ensures that the perpetrators of such horrible crimes will be held accountable and prosecuted by our laws," he said.
"We extend our condolences to the families whose loved ones died from the blasts and are with them in seeking justice for those they have lost. Our thoughts also go out to many others that have been affected by this morally reprehensible event,” he added.