DAVAO CITY, Philippines — An official of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has condemned the twin bombings on Sunday in Jolo, Sulu that left 17 persons dead and wounded 57 others.
“We at the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) condemn this bombing in the strongest possible terms. This bomb attack was done in a place of peace and worship, and it comes at a time when we are preparing for another stage of the peace process in Mindanao,” ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said in a statement on Sunday.
Authorities said the first bomb exploded inside the Jolo Cathedral while a Holy Mass was being celebrated. The second bomb exploded just as government troopers responding in what they described as an “act of terrorism.”
Hataman has asked the public to remain calm and vigilant. “We call on the people to remain calm and vigilant. We will do all we can to work with the other authorities to find the perpetrators of this atrocity and bring them to justice,” he added.
“We also call on our people to cooperate with the authorities in the area. Let us avoid making speculations on this incident as the police conduct their investigation. Let us continue working for peace in the region. Violence should not deter us from continuing our work to establish lasting peace in our homeland,” Hataman said.
The governor vowed to give assistance to the families of those who died and hurt in the bombing incident.
“Human lives are irreplaceable. First responders are still working to assist the families of the people killed in the attack, as well as the wounded. We condole with the families of the people who were killed in the attack, and will do what we can to aid the wounded,” he said. (davaotoday.com)
