By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA
MANILA — As sympathies and expressions of solidarity pour from the international community, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday assured the foreign community that the Philippines would bring to justice those responsible for the twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu that left at least 20 dead and 112 others injured.
“Those responsible for this crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and bring them to justice,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Elmer Cato said in a statement.
“We are thankful for the many expressions of sympathy and solidarity from the international community,” he added.
The terror attack came a few days after the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was ratified and about a week before the second BOL plebiscite takes place on February 6.
The DFA assured that “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.”
The blasts took place on Sunday morning at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo while a mass was ongoing.
Initial reports revealed that two improvised explosive devices exploded at an interval of one minute inside and at the entrance of the church.
Among those who extended sympathies to the Philippines where Australia, the United States, and the European Union.