Palace condemns deadly Jolo blasts

Malacañang on Monday condemned the deadly explosions in Jolo, Sulu as it urged the public to remain vigilant.

At least 12 people were killed, including seven soldiers and a suicide bomber, while 34 others were injured in the blasts, which could be the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf Group, according to Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Mateo, civil military relations officer of the Army’s 11th Infantry Division.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the explosion incidents in Jolo, Sulu today, which left scores dead and wounded, including soldiers. We likewise condole with the families and loved ones of those who died in these tragic incidents,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Roque said authorities were investigating the blasts, which included identifying the individuals or groups behind the attacks.

“We call on the residents of Jolo to stay vigilant and report suspicious personalities and unattended items in their areas,” he added.

The blasts came more than a month after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, a measure that aims to strengthen the Philippines’ fight against terrorists.

Several groups, however, challenged the law’s constitutionality before the Supreme Court as they feared that the legislation could be used by the authorities to stifle dissent.—AOL, GMA News