A MILITARY said on Sunday, July 14, that the public could help the country win against insurgency if they will not let threats of terrorism affect their everyday lives.
“Lagi nating ine-emphasize, the moment na may balitang ganito, huwag po tayong matakot. Higit sa lahat gawin po natin yung normal nating aktibidad sa ating pamumuhay,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said.
(We have always emphasized that the moment there are reports about threats, don’t be afraid. Most of all, just continue undertaking your normal activities.)
“Sapagkat sa sandaling tayo'y matakot, hindi na tayo makalabas, apektado na ang ating hanapbuhay nagtagumpay na ang terorista sa ganoong punto pa lamang,” he added.
(Because the moment we show fear and we don’t go out, our livelihood is affected, the terrorists have succeeded.)
Arevalo said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) along with Philippine National Police (PNP) are doing their best to protect the country from terrorists.
The AFP spokesperson made the statement following the twin blast in Indanan, Sulu which killed seven people (three soldiers, two civilians and the two suicide bombers). Ten civilians were wounded.
One of the bombers was confirmed to be the first Filipino involved in such terrorist activity.
Three suicide bombings have occurred in the southern Philippines since July 2018.
On July 31, at least 10 people were killed and nine others were wounded in a van explosion in Lamitan City in Basilan.
Also killed during the incident was the alleged Moroccan driver of the van who detonated the improvised explosive device (IED) he was carrying inside the vehicle when he was intercepted at a military checkpoint.
On January 27, a Sunday, two bombs detonated by an alleged couple of suicide bombers exploded in the middle of a mass in Jolo Cathedral in Sulu.
At least 23 people, civilians and uniformed men, were killed while 109 others were injured in the incident.
Law enforcers are still looking for the people behind the said attacks. (SunStar Philippines)