Palace condemns Mindanao bombings, vows to go after culprits

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang condemned Monday the separate explosions in the provinces of Cotabato and Maguindanao that injured several people, assuring the public that it would go after the perpetrators of the attacks.

At least 21 people were wounded in the different blasts on Sunday.

“While casualties are now undergoing treatment, clearing operations have been made and authorities are now investigating the matter,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“Any attempt to sow fear, hatred and violence is doomed to fail. We will pursue the perpetrators and will harness all our might to crush all evil forces or enemies of the state, as well as their supporters,” he added.

The Palace official also called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities and persons to authorities.

The explosion occurred ahead of the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Monday visit to Cotabato City to distribute land titles to beneficiaries of the Department of Agrarian Reform (Dar).

But Panelo said Duterte’s visit would push through despite the blasts.