Robredo condemns deadly explosions in Jolo, Sulu

Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday condemned the explosions in Jolo, Sulu which has so far killed at least 15 people and left over 50 others injured.

“This attack is even more horrific in the context of the pandemic, when the imperative is to pull together to address the damage already wrought on our health, economy, and way of life,” Robredo said in a statement.

“To kill in such a manner, in these times, regardless of motivation, is inhuman,” she added.

The vice president expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the incident.

“I grieve with the families of the lost and extend my sympathies to the injured,” she said.

Moreover, Robredo called on the government “to do all that it can to bring those behind this act of terror to justice”

“I stand with our soldiers and the men and women of our uniformed services as well as with the people of Jolo,” she said.

As of early evening on Monday, the Western Mindanao Command said the Sulu explosions had killed a suicide bomber, six civilians, seven soldiers, and a policeman.

Injured were 48 civilians, 21 soldiers, and six police officers.

Lt. Col. Ronald Mateo, the civil military relations officer of the 11th Infantry Division, said the first blast happened when a motorcycle bomb exploded.

Mateo said that the second blast was carried out by a suicide bomber. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News