Villar: Jolo bombing could be attempt to undermine BOL

Sen. Cynthia Villar (Photo from an INQUIRER.net file video)

MANILA, Philippines – The bombing of the Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, on Sunday was “clearly an act of terrorism,” Senator Cynthia Villar said Monday.

Villar feared that the bombing could be an attempt to undermine the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the creation of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“This bombing which targeted innocent people as they celebrated the Sunday Mass is clearly an act of terrorism. This should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. No time should be wasted in hunting down those who are responsible for this senseless act,” Villar said in a statement.

The senator said she supports efforts of the government to apprehend and “crush” those responsible for the attack.

“I fully support our government as they vow to crush those responsible for the attack,” she said.

“I am also praying for the safety of military personnel as they go after the perpetrators,” Villar added.

Villar condoled with the loved ones of those who perished in the bombings and sympathized with those who were injured.

Last Sunday, two bombs hit the cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel while Mass was being celebrated.

The latest death toll reached at least 20, with 111 others reported injured.

READ: Jolo twin blasts death toll reaches 25, with 111 others injured

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack, issuing a formal communique claiming two suicide bombers detonated explosive belts inside the church and its car park.

READ: Islamic State group claims Jolo church bombing

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana condemned the deadly bombings, adding that the “full force of the law” will be used to bring those responsible for the attack to justice. /cbb

READ: Lorenzana decries Jolo blast, vows full force of law vs perpetrators