PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in investigating and bringing to justice the culprits behind the bombing near a cathedral in Cotabato City last Sunday that killed at least five persons and injured 35 others.

The President, according to Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, also directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to assist the victims of the blast.

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“Security forces are directed to get into the bottom of the blast, arrest those responsible (as soon as possible), and insure security of residents in the area,” he said.

On allegations that rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members may be involved in the blast, Remonde is confident the incident would not derail the peace negotiations between the government and the Muslim rebel group.

He said the government remains determined to proceed with the negotiations with the MILF. He expects the talks to resume this month.

Presidential adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza condemned the blast, branding it is as an “act of terrorism” and a “murderous act of insanity” aimed at inflicting injury and misery on hapless and innocent civilians.

Dureza said the incident, however, “cannot and will not succeed in instilling fear and weaken the peace-loving populace. On the contrary, this incident will all the more strengthen the affected community’s resolve to contend with and overcome the evil designs of those behind this cowardly act of treachery and violence.”

He enjoined the peace-loving citizens of the country, especially in Mindanao to unite and help the government in ridding the society of the terrorist menace.

“Government security forces will track down those responsible. In the meantime, the victims need immediate assistance. President Arroyo has directed us to attend to this with dispatch,” he added.

The explosion hit the LC Omega Lechon Haus at the corner of Macacau Street and Quezon Avenue in Cotabato City, located in front of the Cotabato Immaculate Conception Cathedral where Archbishop Orlando Quevedo was holding a mass at the time of the incident. (JMR/Sunnex)