By Priam Nepomuceno/PNA
MANILA — The recent bombing in Jolo, Sulu which claimed the lives of at least 20 people and wounded 112 others, is a just an isolated incident, a military official said Tuesday.
“It was an isolated case as there was apparently an unconfirmed information as revealed by a priest in Jolo in a media interview that there is a bombing threat against the Church,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato told the Philippine News Agency when asked if Sunday’s blast is an isolated one or just the beginning of a wave of attacks in the area.
He also added that the Mount Carmel Cathedral has already a long list of bombing incidents in the past.
“It is in this light that a community effort has to be tapped as security against terrorism is a complex activity,” Detoyato added.
Earlier, the AFP public affairs office chief said the military will take “extra precautionary measures” to secure the second Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite on February 6 following the incident in Sulu’s capital town.
“We will take extra precautionary measures in the advent of the Jolo incident. Meanwhile, our troops are advised to be always on the alert for any changes in the security protocols to anticipate the fluid situation. All other security arrangements stay the same,” he said.
Another plebiscite for the BOL will be held next week in the province of Lanao del Norte, except Iligan City; the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit, and Pigkawayan in the province of North Cotabato and the 28 barangays to be included in the region.
The military has deployed over 10,000 troops and support units to help secure the BOL plebiscite along with the Philippine National Police.
