IN THE wake of the deadly twin bombing incidents in Jolo, Sulu, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) assured that there has been no direct terrorism threat in their areas of responsibility although they have elevated the security measures.
“While we have to heighten our alert level, particularly in securing all places of worships, places of convergence and public places, be informed however, that we have not received any hard information that any of our areas is directly under threat,” Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey said.
Balagtey condemned the fatal bombing incident that happened inside and at the parking lot of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu at 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, leaving 20 dead and over 80 wounded, including soldiers and churchgoers.
He said Eastmincom has maintained strong coordination with their counterpart in the Western Mindanao Command and added that a security mechanism is in place to ensure the safety of the public.
“We are assuring everyone that the Eastern Mindanao Command is closely monitoring and coordinating with our counterparts in Western Mindanao and other law enforcement agencies like the PNP and NICA for us to have a better situational analysis,” Balagtey said.
Earlier, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Cotabato City in the afternoon of December 31, killing two people and wounding more than 30.
The bombings happened despite the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao.
Authorities, meanwhile, are urging the public to observe vigilance and cooperate with the government should they notice suspicious activities and any security related concerns for immediate action.
Balagtey advised the public to discern whatever information they read relating to the incident especially that text messages and posts on social media are expected to circulate just to instigate fear.
“We also urge everyone to remain calm and avoid spreading invalidated information that may cause panic in our respective communities as this will not help in our security, instead contributes to the terrorist victory,” he added.