Ambassador Bjørn Jahnsen (Photo from the Faceboook account of the Norwegian Embassy in Manila)
MANILA, Philippines — Norway extended on Monday its condolences to the families of those who were killed in the twin blasts that struck the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu.
“Norway sends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the bombings by the cathedral in Jolo,” Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Bjørn Jahnsen said in a tweet. “We fully support the Bangsamoro Peace Process and we are an ally for longstanding peace and development in the Philippines.”
Norway sends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the bombings by the cathedral in Jolo. We fully support the Bangsamoro Peace Process and we are an ally for longstanding peace and development in the Philippines. @teddyboylocsin @NorwayMFA
— Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster (@NorwayAmbMnl) January 28, 2019
The explosions in Jolo happened only a week after the Bangsamoro Organic Law was “deemed ratified” by the Commission on Elections after the first of two plebiscites which was held on Jan. 21.
READ: Yes votes have it: Law creating Bangsamoro region ratified
The blasts claimed the lives of at least 20 people, some of them government troops, and left more than a hundred injured.
READ: Jolo twin blasts death toll reaches 20, with 111 others injured
Jahnsen’s statement comes as widespread condemnation and expression of condolences poured in from the international community following the attack. /atm