Palace condemns suspected terror attack in Basilan

Malacañang on Tuesday condemned the suspected terrorist attack  in Lamitan City in Basilan where at least 11 people were reported dead after a 10-seater van exploded at a checkpoint.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said they condemn in the “strongest possible terms” the suspected suicide bombing incident.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the latest terrorist attack in Basilan perpetrated in violation of our laws,” Roque said in a statement.

“Authorities are now investigating the incident even as we vow to bring the perpetrators of this brazen attack to justice,” he added.

READ: 11 killed as van explodes in Basilan

In a report by Inquirer Mindanao, Lamitan City Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay said that as of 10:20 a.m. the number of fatalities has risen from seven to 11.

The van exploded around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Bulanting. All fatalities were blown into pieces as well as farm animals nearby, Furigay said.

“The bomber, three Cafgu (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) members manning the checkpoint, a detachment commander from 19th Special Forces, a woman and a child. Five (scout rangers), including a young lieutenant are critically wounded,” he said.

Furigay said the van’s driver—who was intercepted at Bulanting checkpoint—”looked like a foreigner and cannot speak a local dialect, who could not even speak Tagalog, Yakan or English.”

“Cafgus held the driver for further questioning. Other Cafgus sought help from senior official to ask further questions from the driver. When the lieutenant approached the van, it suddenly went off,” he disclosed.  /muf