Duterte assures military of full support vs terrorism following Jolo blasts

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to extend all the support the military needs to ensure that terrorists have “no future” in the Philippines following the twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu that killed several state forces and civilians.

Duterte on Sunday visited Jolo a week after a twin blast killed at least 15 people and wounded 75.

Photo shows the aftermath of the twin bombings at Barangay Walled City in Jolo, Sulu that claimed several lives including government troops and civilians and wounding dozens last August 24, 2020. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited the blast site and led a candle-lighting and the offering of flowers on August 30, 2020. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“Bilang isang Pilipino, ibibigay ko sa inyo ang lahat ng suporta na kailangan niyo para matupad ang inyong misyon dito sa Jolo. I commit myself to work with you, my dear troops, to ensure that this terrorists will have no future in this country,” Duterte told troops in Jolo, Sulu, in a taped speech aired Monday.

(As a Filipino, I will give you every support you need to complete your mission here in Jolo. I commit myself to work with you, my dear troops, to ensure that these terrorists will have no future in this country.)

Duterte also thanked the troops for their “selflessness” as they battled terrorists, and at the same time, the ongoing health crisis posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“I know that the ongoing pandemic has only made your responsibilities even more complicated. Yet in the spirit of selflessness, you remain strong in your mission for the Filipino people,” Duterte said.

“Because of this, I am humbled by your commitment inspired by your patriotism and grateful for your continued support,” he went on.

Photo shows the aftermath of the twin bombings at Barangay Walled City in Jolo, Sulu that claimed several lives including government troops and civilians and wounding dozens last August 24, 2020. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited the blast site and led a candle-lighting and the offering of flowers on August 30, 2020. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

On August 24, an explosion rocked Barangay Walled City in Jolo where a military truck was parked, Western Mindanao Command commander Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. said.

Another explosion occurred an hour later about a hundred meters away from the site of the first blast.

Malacañang said Duterte would consider the proposal to declare martial law in Sulu but the Philippine Army has since withdrawn this recommendation. 

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