Madrigal: Military on full alert status after twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Benjamin Madrigal said that the military is on full alert status after the deadly twin blasts at Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu.

"Full alert but of course sabi ko nga, ito full vigilance by everybody, magtulung-tulungan 'pag may nakitang suspicious... impormahan agad," Madrigal said in a phone interview on Sunday.

Though no similar attacks are being expected, troops in Central Mindanao have also been alerted to be vigilant, he added.

Madrigal said that state security forces are investigating the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that were used in order to trace the perpetrators of the blasts, which claimed at least 19 lives and injured dozens of others.

"'Yung signature ng IED ang tinitingnan natin, kasi ano bang klase ang ano, kung pareho ng ginagamit... kung merong influence 'yung ibang grupo," he said.

The AFP chief also said that investigators are still determining whether the bombing incident is related to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which was deemed ratified by the Comelec on Friday.

The Palace earlier condemned the "act of terrorism" and vowed to jail its perpetrators.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also condemned the bombing incident which he called a "dastardly act."

He encouraged the public to report security-related concerns to authorities and to remain calm.

"We also urge everyone to remain calm and avoid spreading panic in our respective communities to deny terrorism any victory," Lorenzana said. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News