Senators, solons condemn Jolo cathedral bombings

Lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Sunday condemned the twin explosions that rocked a cathedral in Sulu province and called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

In a statement, Senator Richard Gordon called the bombing incident, which has so far taken the lives of at least 19 people, a "dastardly act" that should make the public aware about the need to be always "more inclusive, humane, and just."

"We pray and commiserate with our soldiers, fellow citizens and their families who have suffered from this bombing," he said.

All chapters of the Red Cross are now on full alert, added Gordon, who also serves as chair of the organization's board of directors.

This was mirrored by Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV and Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, who both condemned the deadly blasts.

"Nananawagan tayo sa mga awtoridad na tugisin ang mga nasa likod ng pambobomba at papanagutin sa kanilang ginawa upang mabigyan ng katarungan ang mga biktima," said Aquino.

"We should all condemn those responsible for bombing the cathedral in Jolo. Targeting the innocent and helpless is the highest form of cowardice," added Sotto.

For his part, Senator Francis Pangilinan urged the public not to be distracted and defeated by "warmongers" and violent elements, especially since the bombing incident happened after the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

"An immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators will give justice to the victims and send a strong message that this government will not allow the rule of violence to triumph," he said.

"This incident is also a challenge for the government to show what martial law in Mindanao can do to address these attacks," he added.

Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said that those behind the attack "clearly" wanted to taint the BOL plebiscite results.

"The AFP and PNP should pursue these terrorists at all cost and they should double up their security presence to prevent any more of this untoward incidences from happening in and out of Mindanao," he said.

Senators Nancy Binay and Sonny Angara, meanwhile, condoled with the loved ones of the victims of the incidents, and both called for an investigation into the bombings.

PBA party-list Representative and Sulu caretaker Jericho Nograles, for his part, said the incidents will only push the government to rid Sulu of terrorists once and for all.

"We offer our condolences to the families of the victims. We pray for your loss and grieve with you," he said.

"I trust President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his administration will do the best they can for Sulu and the Philippines," he added.

Meanwhile, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said the incident is "really very tragic."

"I am anxious to go back to Manila now so we can find out what Congress can do from our end," Arroyo said in an ambush interview ni Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan De Oro City. 

Arroyo urged the people of Sulu to "not lose heart," as she is sure that the government will do everything to address the situation. — Erwin Colcol/BM, GMA News