Duterte 'angry, disappointed' over Jolo blasts

PRESIDENT Rodrigo has expressed "anger" and "disappointment" over the twin bombings in a Roman Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu that killed at least 20 individuals, Malacañang said on Monday, January 28.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Chief Executive had already ordered the Philippine forces to ensure "stricter" implementation of security measures in Jolo to avoid repeat of another explosion in the rebel-infested area.

"Well, of course, he (Duterte) was so angry for one. For another, he is so disappointed that despite the movement to tread the path towards peace and development, there are still certain forces in that region who sow terror, and kill and murder people," the Palace official said in a press conference.

"He has issued directive to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to secure the citizenry and to attend to the injured and to provide succor to the families of the victims," he added.

Around 20 people were confirmed dead, while 98 were injured went two explosives went off while a mass was ongoing at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday morning, January 2.

Duterte is scheduled to visit the blast site on Monday afternoon, Panelo confirmed.

The explosions came following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and amid the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

It also happened despite the President's intent to hold a meeting with Moro National Liberation Front Leader Nur Misuari, whose bailiwick is Jolo, Sulu.

Panelo said Duterte would await the findings of the investigation on Jolo blasts, stressing that it would be "unfair" and "not good" to speculate about the possible perpetrators, which include Misuari's camp.

"We cannot enter into the realm of speculation. It would be unfair and not good to be speculating. I know that Nur Misurai wants federalism better than BOL, but he didn’t oppose it actively. In fact, he was non-committal with respect to the plebiscite," he said.

"He will wait for the investigation. Of course, one, Islamic State is claiming responsibility. I read it in one of the briefers that one terrorist group is claiming responsibility for that. But we have to await for the investigation [to know] who is behind it and what group and individuals," he added.

Panelo assured the public that the recent bombings in Jolo was an "isolated" case.

He also vowed that the government would give "no mercy" to individuals behind the twin blasts.

"We can only learn from lessons and introduce more stringent steps to prevent the occurrence of another bombing," Duterte's mouthpiece said.

"The law will not give them mercy (suspects of Jolo bombings). We will pursue them to the ends of the earth until every killer is placed behind bars. The AFP will crush them. No amount of terrorism can stop the journey to peace and development in that region," he added.

Panelo said the current administration would do its best to ensure people's safety in Jolo, Sulu and other parts of Mindanao amid martial law declaration in the strife-torn region.

"The fact alone that there is only one incident of bombing for the last how many? One year plus? That means martial is effective. Can you imagine how many bombings there would have been if there is no martial law there in operation?" he said.

"If there is no martial law there, then there would have been chaos and anarchy there," Panelo added. (SunStar Philippines)

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