Palace concerned over suicide bombings in Sulu

The Palace has expressed concern over the number of suicide bombing incidents in Sulu.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo was referring to the suicide bombing at a military camp in June which killed at least seven people, and one in Indanan Sulu on Sunday which killed the suicide bomber identified by authorities as a Caucasian.

“It’s a matter of concern, of course. Anything that will show a rise in terrorism in any area of this country is always a matter of concern... We hope our security will improve their devices to stop this,” Panelo said at a news conference.

“But you know, sometimes, if it is a suicide bomber parang ang hirap din. I’m sure they’re doing everything to stop it,” he added.

Panelo's remarks a day after the military announced that it was looking for two other suicide bombers.

Sulu is part of Mindanao, and Mindanao has been put under martial law by President Rodrigo Duterte since May 2017 when terrorist group Maute held the Islamic City of Marawi City under siege—an assault that lasted for five months.

The implementation of martial law, extended repeatedly by Congress for at least three times, is supposed to suppress ongong rebellion in Mindanao, including those perpetrated by remnants of Maute group.