Palace concerned over Sultan Kudarat, Sulu blasts

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said he hoped security forces would lay out measures to prevent similar incidents from repeating. (File Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday expressed concern over bomb attacks over the weekend at the public market in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat and in a military camp in Indanan, Sulu.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said he hoped security forces would lay out measures to prevent similar incidents from repeating.

“Anything that will show a rise in terrorism in any area of this country is always a matter of concern and we hope our security will improve more on their devices to stop this,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Panelo, however, admitted that preventing suicide bomb attacks was easier said than done.

“But you know, sometimes if it is a suicide bomber parang ang hirap din (it’s also difficult). I’m sure they’re doing everything to stop it,” he added.

An alleged female suicide bomber was killed in an explosion around 5:45 p.m. at the entrance of the camp of the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion on Sunday (September 8).

This is the second suicide attack in the Philippines this year. The first one took place in Indanan, Sulu last June 28.

On Saturday (Sept. 7), eight persons were injured after a blast took place in a public market in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Security forces have beefed up the security measures in various public places and in all entry and exit points to prevent possible movements of members of terror groups.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is too early to tell whether martial law in Mindanao would be extended due to the bomb attacks.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao following attacks launched by the ISIS-inspired Maute Group in Marawi City in 2017. It has been extended thrice until December 31, 2019.

Congress approved the third extension of martial law in Mindanao in a joint session on December 12, 2018.