Monday, January 15, 2007 Palace aide calls for immediate arrest of Mindanao bombers
PRESIDENTIAL chief of staff Michael Defensor denounced the latest bombings in Mindanao on Wednesday night even as he called on authorities for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of what he called "totally reprehensible" act.
"We denounce in the strongest terms possible these terroristic activities, which are claiming the lives of innocent civilians," Defensor said.
He added, "While the Armed Forces of the Philippines has immediately identified the mastermind of these gruesome attacks, we strongly urge everyone, especially those in Mindanao, to cooperate with the military, police, and local authorities for the early arrest of the terrorists behind these senseless violence."
Defensor said no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had given the marching orders for the military to go after the perpetrators without sleep and any break.
"The military will relentlessly pursue them and swiftly bring them to justice. They will bear the consequences of their horrible acts and the full force of the law," Defensor said.
The bombings in Mindanao were carried out on the eve of the Asean Summit, which is being held in Cebu.
Defensor however said, "These unfortunate incidents do not relate to the meetings and will not affect our resolve to ensure the smooth conduct of the summit."
"We have full confidence in the preparations of our military, police, Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the local governments in Cebu," he said. (BOT)
