Hunt on vs. perpetrators of Jolo twin blasts: PNP

“We join the entire Filipino nation in strong condemnation of this senseless act of terror for whatever motive its perpetrators may have even during this time of the pandemic. While we express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased and sympathy to the wounded, we assure them of our keen resolve and commitment to bring to justice those responsible for this vicious attack”, PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a press statement. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday vowed to go after the perpetrators of the twin blasts that rocked Jolo, Sulu on Monday.

“We join the entire Filipino nation in strong condemnation of this senseless act of terror for whatever motive its perpetrators may have even during this time of the pandemic. While we express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased and sympathy to the wounded, we assure them of our keen resolve and commitment to bring to justice those responsible for this vicious attack”, PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a press statement.

He said the PNP has mobilized all available security forces in pursuit operations against those responsible for the terror act that killed at least 14 people and wounded 70 others.

Gamboa ordered Bangsamoro PNP Regional Director, Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu, to further intensify the conduct of checkpoints, police visibility patrols, and focused intelligence and law enforcement operations in close coordination with the AFP and other members of the security sector.

In a follow-up report, improvised explosive devices (IED) were detonated in front of Paradise Enterprises in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu wounding some civilians and military personnel.

While the elements of Jolo PNP and AFP rushed to the scene to aid victims and ensure the safety of other residents for possible secondary devices, another explosion transpired near the first explosion.

Among those killed were one police officers, seven soldiers, and six civilians.

The lone police casualty was identified as Senior M/Sgt. Joe Michael Langbis, a member of the PNP Special Action Force.

Other wounded police and military personnel and civilians are now for undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals in Sulu.

Gamboa said the PNP calls the help of the public to any information that may help police to identify the suspects and prevent any similar incident from happening again.