A party-list representative from Mindanao on Wednesday condemned in the strongest possible terms Tuesday's twin bombings in North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat which occurred during the holy month of Ramadan as he called on the authorities and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to conduct separate and thorough investigations.
Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-List Rep. Mujiv Hataman also asked authorities to stop issuing concluding and premature statements without the benefit of a comprehensive and exhaustive probe in order not to complicate the stalled peace talks between the government and the MILF.
Leaving the concerned authorities to do the determination of motives, Hataman said the acts perpetrated were clear terrorism attacks that should be denounced at all times.
"It is up for the authorities to determine the truth behind the bombings. For whatever reasons, these attacks are acts of terrorism that treat civilian lives as collateral damage. We should not let these things pass without justice," Hataman said.
Hataman said targeting innocent civilians is unacceptable and a gross violation of the international humanitarian law.
"Unleashing terror against innocent civilians is deplorable and condemnable to the highest degree. Those persons behind the attacks are enemies of the state and the people. This is unforgivable in a civilized society like ours," said Hataman.
If participation in any of the bombing by some MILF members would be established, he called on the leadership of the MILF to surrender its men.
"I also urge the leadership of MILF to surrender its people should an investigation establishes any participation," Hataman stressed.
The party-list lawmaker expressed outrage after the bombings were made during Ramadan season.
"The perpetrators totally disregarded the holy month of Ramadan, they should be brought to justice immediately," he said.
Ramadan which is also known as Ramzan in several countries is the ninth month of Hijrah (Islamic) calendar since 638 and considered the most venerated, blessed and holiest month. Prayers, fasting, self-accountability and charity have special association with Ramadan which begins on September 23 and ends on October 23.
Hataman said while police authorities should ensure the speedy resolution of the bombings, it should not wreak terror against Muslims.
"I hope there would be no repetition of another wave of terror directed against Moro communities in running after the perpetrators. We should ensure that justice is delivered accordingly without operations resulting to illegal detentions, torture, and other cases of harassment mostly among innocent civilians. Authorities should exercise good sense of judgment and prudence in facing this matter. Terror should not be solved by another terror," he said.
Initial reports said that at least 12 people died while 20 others were injured in a bomb blast that rocked Makilala, North Cotabato around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday as crowd gathered for a trade fair in celebration of the town's 52nd foundation day.
Authorities have placed the entire SOCKSARGEN region under heightened alert following the Makilala blast and the bomb attack in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province at noon Tuesday where four women were also injured.
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