Lanao del Sur lawmaker condemns Cotabato blast

MANILA, Philippines — Deputy Speaker Pangalian Balindong on Tuesday condemned the blast which killed eight people and injured at least 40 others in Cotabato City and urged the government to ensure a thorough investigation into the attack.

“I strongly urge the government to use all means and resources for a full and thorough investigation to unmask these criminals and make them answer for all the chaos and damage to life and property they have intentionally wrought,” said the lawmaker from Lanao del Sur.

Balindong called the roadside blast a “dastardly act by inhuman beings who hide behind anonymity to sow terror” just weeks after a separate explosion killed and injured several others in Cagayan de Oro.

“Speculations are rife that these acts of violence are aimed at disrupting or destabilizing the ongoing peace processes,” noted the lawmaker who assured the public that members of the House of Representatives were determined to work on the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.

“You, who for whatever reasons, hate peace, you will not, and never succeed,” went the House leader’s message to the culprits in the Cotabato City blast.