CHR to probe ‘ruthless bombing’ at Jolo church

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) would conduct its own investigation on what it called as “ruthless bombing” at a Jolo cathedral last Sunday, January 27.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline De Guia said the agency “strongly condemns” the deadly incident at the Marian Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, stressing “such violence has no place in the country.”

“Our countrymen and -women have long yearned for peace in Mindanao. Such violence has no place in the country, especially that concerned areas are in the midst of forging durable peace through the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite,” De Guia said in a statement.

“A joint team from CHR Central Office, through its Investigation Office and CHR-Region IX, shall investigate the incident,” she added.

De Guia also called on the government to arrest perpetrators of the bombing that left 20 people dead and at least 100 others wounded. The CHR expressed its sympathies to victims and their families.

“We call on the government to ensure that the perpetrators of this barbaric act are made accountable for this crime in defense of the rights and dignity of all,” De Guia said.

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

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been on nationwide heightened alert following the bombings. /kga