AFP chief Galvez condemns blast at Cotabato City mall
Credit to Author: acerojano| Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2018 12:42:40 +0000
MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday condemned the bombing outside a shopping mall in the southern city of Cotabato that killed two civilians and left dozens injured.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines strongly condemns the criminals behind the explosion in Magallanes Street, Cotabato City that caused harm and put in danger the lives of innocent civilians and disrupted the Cotabateños preparation to greet the New Year,” Galvez said in a statement.
READ: 2 dead, scores wounded in Cotabato City mall blast
According to the AFP chief, initial information from the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army revealed that an unidentified individual allegedly dropped a box along Magallanes St. in front of the South Seas mall entrance, which immediately exploded at around 1:59 p.m.
He added that authorities were now in the area to process the scene and identify what kind of explosive was used.
While police have yet to identify the type of explosive used by the suspect, General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, earlier said the improvised explosive device was the signature of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) or the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah.
However, Galvez said “we don’t discount the possibility of other interest groups aligned with the same evil intentions to be involved.”
Galvez assured the public that the AFP, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and local government of Cotabato City, was working to ensure the overall security of the city.
He also urge residents of Cotabato City to stay vigilant and report to authorities any suspicious individuals or packages to avert a similar incident from happening.
“The people’s cooperation will add strength to government forces designated to facilitate the security of our communities,” he said./ac