By APD writerMelo M. Acuna
MANILA, Jan 28 (APD) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly condemned the terrorist bombing of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo.
In a statement released today, the DFA said they grieve over the unnecessary loss of lives in what they described as “act of violence” perpetration by the “forces of evil.” They said those behind the crime will not go unpunished because the government will find them and bring them to justice.
The Department expressed its appreciation for the expressions of sympathy and solidarity from the international community.
“This terrorist act comes at a sensitive and hopeful period following the ratification by an overwhelming majority of the Bangsamoro Organic law which seeks to bring peace and progress to the southern island of Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), in a press briefing said they have observed how the culture of violence has gradually engulfed the country.
“The recent bombing of the cathedral of Jolo where scores of people were killed and several more were injured is a further evidence to the cycle of hate that is destroying the moral fabric of our country,” the bishops’ statement signed by its president, Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles said.
He added a number of bishops have already committed to sending assistance to the victims at the soonest possible time. The amount that will be generated from various ecclesial provinces will be send to the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo at the soonest possible time.
Police Sr. Supt. Bernard M. Banac, PNP spokesman said 20 persons died while 112 were wounded in the successive blasts that rocked the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at 8:28 AM Sunday while a mass was being held.
He added PNP chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde flew to Jolo this afternoon and met with his counterparts to look into more details of the bombing incident.
Colonel Noel Detoyato, AFP Public Affairs Office chief in a text message as of this writing said one of the seriously wounded victims expired this afternoon at a hospital in Jolo, Sulu and increased the fatalities to 21.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)