MANILA, Philippines – The quest for lasting peace and progress in Mindanao will not be stalled by recent bombings in the region as government forces will “ferociously and relentlessly” hunt down those behind the brazen attacks, Malacanang said on Wednesday.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement after two persons were killed and four others were wounded when a grenade exploded in a mosque in Zamboanga early Wednesday.
Three days earlier, two explosions jolted a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that killed at least 21 people and wounded 111 others.
READ: 2 dead, 3 hurt in Zamboanga mosque grenade blast
READ: Jolo twin blasts death toll reaches 20, with 111 others injured
Panelo said this latest attack is a “taunting challenge” to the capability of the government to secure the safety of the people of Mindanao.
“The successive attacks on two different places of worship depict the ruthlessness and the godlessness of these mass murderers,” Panelo said.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines will unleash its might and weaponry against these enemies of the state and hunt them ferociously and relentlessly until the law rolls down its guillotine on them,” he added.
Panelo stressed that the “quest for peace and progress” by the Bangsamoro people “will not be stalled by any obstacle thrown at their path.”
“The movement to change the face of Mindanao and the oppressive conditions affecting its people shall move forward despite these acts of terrorism,” he said.
“We assure those who live and sojourn in that part of the region that the government will secure their safety and provide them with whatever support they need with dispatch and sufficiency,” he added.
The attacks came less than a week after a plebiscite voted to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) that will grant wider self- rule to the Muslim minority in the south.
The first part of the referendum was held last Jan. 21 in the ARMM provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi as well as in Isabela City in Basilan and Cotabato City.
Another plebiscite will be held on Feb. 6, this time for residents of Lanao del Norte (except Iligan City) and six municipalities in North Cotabato. /gsg
READ: Comelec: ‘Yes’ votes win first round of BOL referendum