MANILA — Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Kuya Bong” Go on Wednesday assured prompt assistance from Malacañang to the victims of the bombing of a military checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan.
“Immediate po yan. Automatic po yan magpapadala po kaagad tayo ng tulong sa mga sundalo at CAFGU (Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit) also the wounded. Aasikasuhin kaagad ‘yan,” Go told reporters during a visit to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Go said President Rodrigo Duterte held a command conference on the incident and the Chief Executive originally planned to fly to the area to condole with the families of the victims
“(The President ) planned to go Lamitan, (but) mga naging biktima are all Muslims at nailibing na kaagad (the victims are all Muslims so they were buried immediately),” Go said.
Go also brushed aside speculations about the possibility of expanding martial law or a state of national emergency following the incident.
He said the whole of Mindanao is still under martial law until the end of the year.
The PNP leadership vowed to go after those behind the bombing of a CAFGU detachment in Lamitan City, Basilan Tuesday morning, which resulted in the deaths of 10 persons, including the alleged bomber.
The explosion took place at 5:50 a.m. near the Magwakit Detachment in Barangay Colonia, Lamitan City.
Reports said troops in the area intercepted a white van carrying improvised explosives devices (IEDs).
While the vehicle was being inspected by authorities, the van suddenly exploded.
Wounded during the blast were a CAFGU member and six soldiers of the 9th Scout Ranger Company. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
