Duterte ‘outraged’ by Jolo twin blasts

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte is outraged by the twin blasts that hit the Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, on Sunday morning, killing at least 20 people and injuring 111 others.

“He is outraged,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“He is so angry for one. For another, he is so disappointed that despite the movement to thread the path towards peace and development, there [are] still certain forces who sow terror and kill and murder people,” Panelo added.

Duterte is set to travel to Jolo this afternoon and visit the blast site at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral.

READ: Duterte to visit Jolo after twin blasts

Panelo said the President already ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “to secure the safety of the citizenry and to attend to the injured and to provide succor to the families of the victim.”

“He has already ordered the AFP to undertake measures so that this incident will not happen again,” he said.

Panelo held off comment when asked whether the bombing was related to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

“He will wait for the investigation. Of course, one Islamic State is claiming responsibility but I read it in one of the briefers that one terrorist group is claiming responsibility for that but we have to await for the investigation, who is behind it and what group and individuals,” he said.

The twin explosions happened days after the plebiscite to ratify the BOL in Mindanao. /cbb