UN Security Council condemns Jolo twin bombings
MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday strongly denounced the bombing of a Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, which took the lives of at least 20 individuals and wounded dozens of others.
The members of the council called twin blasts that ripped through Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral during Sunday services a “heinous and cowardly terrorist attack.”
“The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government of the Philippines and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured,” UNSC said in a statement.
The UN body urged all states to actively cooperate with the Philippines in holding the attack’s perpetrators, organizers, financier and sponsors accountable and bring them to justice.
UNSC stressed that any acts of terrorism — regardless of motivation — are criminal and unjustifiable.
“They reaffirmed the need for all states to combat by all means, in accordance with the charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts,” the council said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command on Tuesday released footage showing the suspected bomber fleeing the scene.
Authorities are looking into the man known as Alias Kamah as the person who detonated the bombs. “Kamah” is an alleged bomb maker and the brother of slain Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Surakah Ingog.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. It, however, did not provide evidence for its claim.
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