Female suicide bombers behind twin explosions; martial law eyed in Sulu

The United Nations (UN), the United States (US), and the European Union (EU) strongly condemned the two bomb attacks in Jolo, Sulu, last August 24 that left at least 15 persons dead and 77 others hurt.

Military personnel stretcher away some of the victims after an improvised bomb exploded next to a military vehicle in the town of Jolo on Sulu island on August 24, 2020. (Photo by Nickee BUTLANGAN / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)

“The UN stressed that attacks against civilians are always unacceptable and called on perpetrators to be held accountable,” the UN in the Philippines said in a statement.

The UN also expressed deep condolences to the Philippine government and the communities affected by the two blasts.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim on Tuesday joined the Philippines and the international community in condemning the two powerful explosions that rocked Jolo.

“I offer my sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of yesterday’s bombings in Jolo. We join the Philippine government in condemning these attacks and will continue to support our Filipino partners to strengthen national security,” Kim stated in a tweet.

Likewise, the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines also expressed its condolences and solidarity with the Philippines in condemning the latest terror attacks.

“Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s bombings in Jolo. We wish all those injured a quick and full recovery. We stand with the Philippines authorities in condemning these attacks. We all stand united against the scourge of terrorism,” the EU said in a social media post.

The Embassy of Belarus in Jakarta also sent its sympathy to the Philippine government hours after suspected terrorists reportedly affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf group carried out the attacks.

“Following sad news regarding bombings in #Jolo, #Philippines the Embassy of Belarus expresses sincere condolences to the people and Government of the Philippines and hopes for prompt recovery of the injured and soon return to peaceful life,” the Embassy of Belarus said.

2 female suicide bombers

The twin explosions were carried out by two suicide bombers from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) faction of bomb expert Mundi Sawadjaan, the chiefs of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu said Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, PA commanding general, said he will formally recommend to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay to bring back martial law in Sulu.

“Siguro it's high time na ibalik po natin, if I may respectfully recommend to the President through our Chief of Staff and Secretary of National Defense, na pwede maideklara muli ang martial law sa probinsya ng Sulu dahil sa recent bombing incident na nangyari (Perhaps, it's high time to bring back martial law in Sulu, if I may respectfully recommend to the President through our Chief of Staff and Secretary of National Defense, because of the recent bombing incident)” Sobejana said.

He said this will further enhance the security situation in the province, and prevent the escape of Mundi’s group.

“We want to bring back normalcy in Sulu as soon as possible," he added.

The recommendation, if approved by Lorenzana and Gapay, will be submitted to Malacañang for President Duterte's approval.

Indonesia suicide bomber

One of the suicide bombers was an Indonesian national, said to be the wife of 23-year-old Norman Lasuca, the first identified Filipino suicide bomber; while the other was the wife of Talha Jumsah alias Abu Talha, a slain bomb expert who served as the ASG's liaison to the Islamic State (ISIS), according to Sobejana and Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of JTF Sulu.

Lasuca was one of the two suicide bombers who attacked the detachment unit of the Army's 1st Brigade Combat Team in Indanan, Sulu on June 28, 2019 where eight persons were killed and scores wounded.

“Dalawa ito. 'Yung sa una, suicide bomber din. Na-validate na ito (There were two bombers. A suicide bomber was also involved in the first explosion. This information was already validated),” Sobejana said.

Gonzales bared that the JTF Sulu retrieved a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage which showed that the first suicide bomber detonated herself near a parked motorcycle.

The second suicide bomber, Gonzales said, blew herself up after she was accosted by a soldier who responded to the blast site following the first explosion.

As of this writing, Gonzales said investigators were still determining who between Lasuca or Talha's wife was responsible for the attacks.

The identities of the two suicide bombers were withheld pending the results of the investigation being conducted by the Philippine National Police's (PNP) Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO).

Noreen Jazul, Roy C. Mabasa, Martin Sadongdong

UN, US, EU condemn Jolo blasts