Duterte visits Jolo blast site

By Azer Parrocha/PNA

(Photos courtesy of ex-SAP Bong Go)

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday afternoon visited the Roman Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu just a day after the twin explosions took place there.

Duterte arrived at around 2 p.m. to attend a meeting with security officials.

Afterwards, the President inspected the blast site, visited wounded soldiers and civilians, and attended the wake of blast victims. He left the area at around 5:35 p.m.

Duterte was accompanied by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Philippine National Police Director General Chief Oscar Albayalde, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, former Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

The twin blasts, which happened on Sunday at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo left at least 20 people dead and 112 others wounded.

Following suspicions that the bomb attacks might be related to the recently ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), Malacañang said that it will await results of investigation before making comments.

“We have to wait for the investigation — who’s behind it and what group or individuals,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

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