We condemn in the strongest possible terms the acts of terrorism that caused death and injury in the town plaza of Jolo, Sulu. These twin bombing incidents are tragic reminders that even in the midst of the greatest public health crisis of our generation, government must remain vigilant in the face of continuing threats to the security and safety of our people.
I join our people in grieving for the soldiers who lost their lives in service of the country, and in praying for the recovery of the soldiers and civilians injured in this inhuman attack.
The government has always maintained a zero tolerance policy for terrorism and terrorism-related violence. Terrorism has no place in a civilized world, especially one dealing with a pandemic. But just as the government has marshaled all its resources to meet the threat posed by Covid-19, so shall it exert every effort to obtain justice for the victims of this senseless atrocity, and to hold those responsible for this crime accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Our aim has always been to achieve a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, especially in areas that have long been exposed to conflict. But we will not hesitate to go after those who target innocent civilians and persons in authority.
Maasahan po ng taumbayan na kikilos ang gobyerno, at mananagot ang kailangan managot, para makamit ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao.
