Bishops condemn Jolo bombings, urge BARMM gov't to ensure peace

The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Tuesday decried the “act of terrorism” that killed at least 15 people and wounded over 50 others in Jolo, Sulu.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo called on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to intensify efforts to ensure safety and peace within the province after twin bombings hit Barangay Walled City on Monday morning. 

“We call on the BARMM government [to] exert all efforts for peace and security in their areas. We abhor these atrocities. We appeal for prayers for people of Jolo, especially those who died and are injured. We denounce this act of terrorism,” he told Radio Veritas.

Military Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio likewise called for prayers for the families of the victims.

“May those who perpetrated this blatant act of sowing fear and chaos be enlightened that no one is victorious in situations like but all are losers,” he said.

“May they feel also the pains of those who lose loved ones and pains of disorder and chaos,” Florendo added. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News