AFP to ‘crush godless criminals’ behind Jolo twin blasts — Palace

Photo from United Kabalikat Civicom Jolo chapter, a citizen communications group

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang said that the Armed of the Philippines (AFP) would “crush” the “godless criminals” behind the deadly blasts that hit a Roman Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu.

READ: AFP condemns Jolo cathedral attack

“We condemn in the strongest possible term the bomb explosions that occurred inside and outside the Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo this Sunday morning which left many soldiers and civilians dead and scores injured,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“The [AFP] will rise to the challenge and crush these godless criminals. We will pursue to the ends of the earth the ruthless perpetrators behind this dastardly crime until every killer is brought to justice and put behind bars. The law will give them no mercy,” he added.

Panelo said that authorities are investigating the bombings to identify the group behind the explosions.

“We condole with the families of the victims that perished in this tragedy even as we attend to the injured and give succor to their families,” he said.

“By their act of terrorism and murder of soldiers and civilians, the enemies of the state have boldly challenged the capability of the government to secure the safety of the citizenry in that region,” he added.

Early Sunday, two explosions hit the Marian Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu. One inside the church while a Mass was ongoing and another one in the parking lot as government troops responded to the first blast. /je

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