NBI to join Jolo blast probe: DOJ

FILE: Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra announces during a press briefing in Malacañang that the matter concerning the closure of the resorts in Boracay is currently one of the top priorities that are being discussed by the cabinet citing that it would not only concern the environmental aspect of the issue but the economic impact as well. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has tasked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a probe on the bombing incident at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu.

In a Department Order No. 021 released Monday, Guevarra ordered NBI director Dante Gierran to conduct an investigation and case build-up on the bombing “and if evidence so warrants, to file the appropriate charges against persons found responsible therefor.”

Gierran was also directed to submit reports on the progress of the subject investigation and case build-up.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said the explosions occurred at the Our Lady of Mt.

Carmel Cathedral at about 8:20 a.

m. on Sunday.

As of Sunday evening, about 20 people were reported killed and they included five military personnel, one from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and 14 civilians.

Earlier, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the government is still trying to determine if the twin explosions are related to the recently ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Malacañang condemned the attacks and vowed that the government will bring the perpetrators to justice.