AFP chief Gapay condoles with kin of 15 killed in Jolo twin blasts

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay on Saturday condoled with the families of the 15 people who died in the twin-suicide-bomb attacks in Jolo on August 24, 2020.

In a message Gapay said, "I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the 15 victims who perished ... We offer our prayers to them, as well as for the 74 injured in that brazen attack on human lives by the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group."

Likewise, he said that the notorious group has been the subject of intense intelligence gathering and monitoring, as well as combat operations in Mindanao.

Saying that terrorism has remained a threat to democracy, Gapay appealed to "all freedom-loving Filipinos to join hands with our Armed Forces of the Philippines as we strengthen our efforts to secure our borders and provide a safe environment for Filipinos."

National security is a shared responsibility that requires trust, respect, and cooperation from the citizenry, he added.

Gapay also urged the public to honor the victims of the Jolo bombings.

"The AFP remains unshaken, steadfast, and committed in fulfilling our mandate to
the Filipino. We ask everyone to join us in honoring and remembering the soldiers
who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and innocent civilians who
were caught in these hapless attacks," he said.

The bombings were perpetrated by two female suicide bombers, the military earlier said.

The AFP meanwhile assured the public it is committed to secure the country against terrorism and all other threats, as it lauded the bravery of its frontliners.

"The AFP lauds all our frontline personnel who continue to step up and lead the charge to keep our communities safe, even at the risk of their own lives," Gapay added. —LBG/KG, GMA News