SERIES OF EXPLOSION ROCK MINDANAO

In just 2 days, three explosions rocked Mindanao, claiming no less than ten casualties, and at least 60 people wounded, based on initial reports.

The bomb that exploded near the Cotabato Cathedral last July 5, 2009 resulted to the death of five victims, including a two year old child, and at least 50 wounded. Authorities are still conducting investigation on the said incident.

Earlier this morning, July 7, 2009, a bomb exploded in the public market of Jolo, province of Sulu. Initial accounts from the ground reported at least two deaths and 20 people wounded.

Meanwhile, at least three people were reportedly killed in another explosion that shook Iligan City also this morning, along Corner Sabayle and Saray streets. Twelve more were wounded, including three in critical condition.

With the series of bombing that rocked different parts of the region, Anak Mindanao Party List Representatives Mujiv Hataman and Ariel Hernandez reiterated their strongest condemnation of these attacks and the call for vigilance and unity among the people of Mindanao.

“We have not recovered from the blow of the Cotabato bombing the other day, and we are again shaken by two more explosions in Sulu and Iligan. These series of violence that continue to claim the lives of innocent civilians must be stopped,” Hataman said.

The solon also called on the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces to intensify security measures while running after the perpetrators, “There is an urgent need for the authorities to intensify security measures to protect our people and foil any other attempt to sow terror. Apart from identifying and running after the perpetrators, extensive intelligence information is needed to make sure that incidents like these are thwarted. Credible intelligence work is also crucial in establishing the motives behind these bombing incidents. If this is a statement made by any particular group then they must come out and admit it, for they have not accomplished anything but kill innocent people.”

Rep. Hernandez also called on different sectors of society to unite and act together against these series of violence in the region. “What we are facing now requires a concerted, collaborative effort from all sectors of society - people and non-government organizations, peace and faith-based groups, government instrumentalities, and all others. We must continue building up peace initiatives in our communities and strengthen consultative mechanisms especially among us Mindanawans,” he said.

“What is happening now in the region is something that we, Mindanawans is capable of solving and responding to. We hope that this will not be used to justify any move towards a declaration of a state of emergency or the likes,” Hernandez said.