Moro group condemns mall blast in Cotabato City

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A Moro organization condemned the bombing of a commercial establishment in Cotabato City Monday afternoon, hours before New Year’s Day.

According to reports, at least 20 persons were wounded and two were killed during the explosion of what authorities believed to be an improvised explosive device that went off and damaged parts of the premises of South Seas Mall along Magallanes St.

READ: 2 dead, scores wounded in Cotabato City mall blast

“We pray for the fast recovery of those wounded, most whom are our relatives, and hope that the real perpetrators will be apprehended,” said Suara Bangsamoro in a statement.

The group fears that the incident “will court military takeover of Cotabato City or other Moro areas. We fear of the repeat of Marawi City, that a military retaliation would only lead to violation of the rights of the people.”

Suara Bangsamoro said “we cannot help but be indignant of the way that peace in Cotabato City has been tested, as people are preparing weeks before the plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).”

“A military take-over during plebiscite or election time is the least needed by people and could change the real wishes of the people,” it added. /ee