US condemns bomb attack in Cotabato City

In a statement, the embassy offered condolences to the victims’ loved ones and hoped for a quick recovery for the injured. (File Photo: PIA Bohol/Facebook)

MANILA — The United States embassy in Manila on Wednesday condemned the New Year’s eve bomb explosion in a Cotabato City mall on Monday that killed two people and injured several others.

In a statement, the embassy offered condolences to the victims’ loved ones and hoped for a quick recovery for the injured.

“The United States and the Philippines are long-standing friends, partners, (and) allies, and we stand ready to provide continued support for the peace process in the southern Philippines,” the statement sent by Press Attaché Molly Koscina read.

Local authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators who left a homemade bomb in front of the South Seas Mall in Cotabato City on December 31, and determine their motive.

The attack came weeks before the plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law on January 21 but the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process called the blast an “isolated case.”

“I encourage everyone to practice sobriety and not be swayed to spread unfounded speculations relating to the incident,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said.

“This is an isolated case and our security forces are on top of the situation,” he added.