World leaders condemn ‘terrorist attack’ in Jolo, Sulu

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines assured the international community yesterday that it would bring to justice those responsible for the bombing of the Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that killed at least 20 people and wounded a hundred others.

“Those responsible for this crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and bring them to justice,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement as it condemned the attack.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia and China strongly condemned the twin bombings that ripped through the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral on Sunday morning.

In a statement, the OIC, the second largest inter-governmental organization after the UN with a membership of 57 Muslim countries and the collective voice of the Muslim world, strongly condemned the attack.

Yousef Al-Othaimeen, OIC secretary-general, expressed his deep indignation at the terrorist attack and conveyed the solidarity of the OIC with the people of the Philippines. 

He also offered his sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this “vicious act” and wished quick recovery to the wounded as he renewed the OIC’s firm rejection of violence, extremism and terrorism in all its forms, whatever the sources or motives.

The United Nations also issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

“The Secretary-General calls for the perpetrators of these crimes to be swiftly brought to justice,” the statement said.

It added that Guterres reiterated the UN’s support to the Philippine government and people in their efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism, and to carry forward the peace process in Bangsamoro region.

The UN noted that the attack came just days after voters approved the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in majority-Muslim areas of southern Philippines. In July, it welcomed the signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), calling it a “landmark achievement on the road to lasting peace in southern Philippines.”

“But reports suggest that voters in Sulu province, where Jolo is located, rejected it,” the UN said.

The BOL will create a new Muslim regional entity and replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). President Duterte hopes this will end years of separatist violence in the area. – With Rey Galupo