AMIN CONDEMNS COTABATO BOMBING

AMIN Representative Ariel Hernandez received information of a bomb explosion this morning, July 5, 2009, around 9 in the morning within the vicinity of the Cotabato Cathedral, Cotabato City.

Initial reports of the incident accounted at least two (2) on the spot deaths and 35 wounded including a 2 year old child in critical condition.

As circumstances behind the incident are still being established, Anak Mindanao through its Representatives, Ariel Hernandez and Mujiv Hataman expresses its strongest condemnation of this dastardly attack and calls for immediate and thorough investigation.

“We strongly condemn this recent attack and sincerely express our condolences to the victims and their families. This is an assault not just against the people of Cotabato but against all peoples of faith- Christians, Muslims and other religions, because the terror was sowed near a place of worship. Every religion in the world considers any place of worship as a sacred place that must be revered and respected,” Rep. Mujiv Hataman said.

Rep. Hernandez, while expressing deep concern on the incident, also called for vigilance and unity. “We call on the people of Cotabato and all Mindanawans in general to be vigilant, but at the same time we must not let evil and destructive acts weaken our spirit to build peace in our communities.  Let not this incident divide us especially along cultural or religious lines, let it rather bind us more and strengthen our unity,” he said.