PHL to bring Jolo attackers to justice, DFA assures int’l community

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday assured the international community that the Philippine government will bring the perpetrators of the cathedral bombing in Jolo to justice as it condemned the attack that killed at least 20 and wounded nearly 100 others.

"Those responsible for this crime will not go unpunished," the DFA said in a statement.

Two bombs exploded minutes apart during a Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu.

The attack, claimed by the Islamic State but blamed on the Abu Sayyaf Group by the Philippine military, occurred days after the conduct of the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Majority of the people of Sulu voted against the BOL.

"We grieve over the unnecessary loss of so many lives in this act of violence that can only be perpetrated by the forces of evil," the DFA said. "We will find them and bring them to justice."

The European Union and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier condemned the attack.

Japan condemns attack

Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koji Haneda on Monday said Japan "firmly condemns the terrorist act in the strongest terms."

"I am greatly shocked and cannot help feeling strong indignation to learn that two atrocious bombing incidents occurred on Sunday morning at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu," Haneda said. "Such terrorist attacks shall never be tolerated."

"Japan stands with the Philippines when the government and people of the Philippines are overcoming this difficulty in solidarity," Haneda said.

Japan, he added, will continue to support the Philippines in achieving sustainable peace and stability in Mindanao in accordance with the ongoing political transition process under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

The DFA expressed gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy and solidarity from the international community.

"This terrorist act comes at a sensitive and yet hopeful period following the ratification by an overwhelming majority of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that seeks to bring peace and progress to Mindanao," the DFA said.

"The Philippine Government remains steadfast, along with international partners and other stakeholders, in achieving lasting peace in the Bangsamoro, particularly in the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi region."

Although the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, the military said they are not discounting the possibility that other groups may have had a hand in it, including the Abu Sayyaf.

The Abu Sayyaf, blamed for several terror attacks around the country and kidnapping of foreigners and is notorious for beheading captives if their ransom demand is not met, is on the US and Philippines terrorist blacklist.

Philippines-US counter-terrorism cooperation has successfully led to the killing of key local terrorists from the Abu Sayyaf in Southern Mindanao, but the group continues to thrive even as its members have dwindled in recent years. — RSJ, GMA News