Senators condemn twin explosions in Jolo, demand justice for victims

Several senators on Monday condemned the bombings that claimed at least 15 lives and injured 55 others in Jolo, Sulu.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said he was saddened by the incident as he stressed that it was President Rodrigo Duterte's goal to build a lasting peace in Mindanao.

"Wala talagang pinipiling lugar o panahon ang mga teroristang ito. Naghihirap na nga tayo dahil sa krisis na dulot ng pandemya, patuloy pa rin ang mga terorista sa kanilang hangaring guluhin at sirain ang buhay ng mga Pilipino," Go said in a statement.

Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed her sincere condolences to the bereaved families of the victims.

"Nakikidalamhati ako sa kanilang mga pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay. Ipinagdarasal ko rin ang kaligtasan ng lahat mula sa mga gustong maghasik ng dahas at takot," she said in a separate statement.

She said those responsible for the terror attack should be brought to justice.

Senator Imee Marcos also denounced the attack.

"Walang anumang hinaing ang nagbibigay katwiran sa karahasang ganito. Sa ating mga imbestigador at law enforcement, huwag po tayong titigil hangga't hindi natin mahanap at maparusahan ang mga pasimuno nito," she said.

The first blast was caused by a motorcycle bomb while the second was triggered by a female suicide bomber, according to authorities.

The Western Mindanao Command believes that Mundi Sawadjaan, who is affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf Group, was behind the explosion.  — DVM, GMA News