Bishop appeals for calm in Basilan after bombings

A Catholic bishop in Basilan province appealed to his flock Tuesday to remain calm amid a series of attacks there that left 11 people dead and several others wounded. Isabela, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said the attacks, including the one in front of the Sta. Isabel Cathedral, merit tighter security in the area. “We have a situation and I call my people to stay calm," Jumoad said on Church-run Radio Veritas. “The military and the police should neutralize the rebel groups, who have attacked the cathedral in Isabela City… this is my appeal." Excerpts of the interview were posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site.

Jumoad asked the general public to pray for the people of Basilan for their continued safety from harm. “I would also appeal to please pray for us here in the Isabela de Basilan." The military has blamed the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf for the three bombing attacks. The first one was in front of the Basilan National High School at about 10:30 a.m., followed by another explosion near the Basilan Cathedral some 30 minutes later. Three soldiers were killed by enemy snipers when they rushed to the site of the first explosion. The third blast took place near the residence of Judge Leo Principe of the Basilan Regional Trial Court Branch 1. He was the one who ordered the arrest of some 130 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf in 2007 for the killing of 14 Marines, 10 of whom were beheaded. Bro. Gerry Santos, Parish Pastoral Coordinator of the Prelature of Isabela, said the blast caused heavy damages in church and offices. “Halos buong cathedral damaged talaga. Pati mga kwarto ng mga pari halos wasak din (The entire cathedral was damaged. Even the priests' rooms were destroyed)," he said. - KBK, GMANews.TV