DND calls for vigilance after twin Sulu bombings
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2019 09:24:05 +0000
The Department of National Defense yesterday urged security forces and the public to remain vigilant to thwart future attacks similar to the suspected suicide bombings in Indanan, Sulu which claimed eight lives last week.
DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said a thorough investigation is being conducted to punish the group behind the attacks at the camp of the Philippine Army 1st Brigade Combat Team in Sitio Tanjung, Barangay Kajatian.
“The DND calls for continued vigilance in light of the recent bombings in Sulu which led to the very unfortunate loss of lives, both civilian and military,” Andolong said.
“We extend our sympathies to the victims of this heinous act, and vow to hunt down those who are responsible,” he added.
The Defense official said the brazen attack in the military camp only highlighted the importance of cooperation between the security sector and communities to prevent and counter violent extremism, especially in the southern part of the country.
“As a nation, we must be adamant in our rejection of foreign extremist ideologies which aim to invalidate our gains towards achieving just and lasting peace in the country, particularly in Mindanao,” Andolong stated.
“Rest assured that government forces on the ground are conducting a deeper investigation on the incident and will not stop until those who are behind it are caught or eradicated,” he noted.
The attacks killed three soldiers, three civilians, and two suspected suicide bombers whose body parts were ripped into pieces.
Mindanao is currently under the martial law.
Military eyes the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group as mastermind of the attack which is seen as a glaring challenge to the new leadership of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command.
The attack happened during the turnover of command for Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana as the new commander of the Westmincom. Sobejana had earlier said that he plans to crush Abu Sayyaf Group by yearend upon the directive of President Duterte. (Martin A. Sadongdong)