Duterte inspects bombing site in Jolo
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday afternoon visited the cathedral in Jolo, Sulu where twin bombs took the lives of at least 20 people and injured at least 97 others on Sunday.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement earlier Monday that the president was “disappointed that despite the movement to tread the path towards peace and development there are still certain forces in that region who sow terror and kill and murder people.”
Photos of the inspection were sent to media at past 5 p.m. on Monday.
Panelo said Duterte has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to secure the safety of the residents in the area while investigations are ongoing.
The military was also directed to assist the families of those who were killed in the bombing.
READ: Duterte 'angered, disappointed' by Jolo blast
Seen with Duterte at the blast site were Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
READ: Jolo cathedral bombing sparks peace process worries
Islamic State earlier claimed responsibility for the attacks, although the government’s team probing the bombing has yet to name suspects in the attack. — Ryan Macasero
- Latest
- Trending
