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AGENCIES
MANILA
THE Department of National Defence on Wednesday condemned in the strongest possible terms the Lamitan, Basilan explosion which resulted in the death of members of security forces and innocent civilians as well as the wounding of several others.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines- Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) earlier said that a total of 11 people, including the driver of the van which exploded, died.
Intelligence reports revealed that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader Faruji Indama may have been responsible for the explosion.
Security forces in the south, particularly Army detachments, were put on heightened alert status due to threats of IED attacks.
"As we speak, there are several theories circulating regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. Although we are not discounting them entirely, all of these are just pure speculation at this time and are now the subject of an investigation being conducted by a joint team of the AFP and PNP," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
"As such, I enjoin everyone not to jump to any conclusion and just allow our investigators to do their job," he added.
Lorenzana said it is important to note that the explosive did not reach its intended objective because of the alert security forces.
"Sadly, some of them paid the ultimate price for protecting our people. Our hearts reach out to all the loved ones they have left behind," the defense chief said.
Lorenzana, at the same time, assured that they will do everything within their power to get to the bottom of the incident and will apply the full force of the law on the perpetrators.
"I assure the loved ones of those who perished that your government is grieving with you and that we will provide you with all the support that we can possibly give," Lorenzana said.
"Meanwhile, I would like to say to those who are behind this cowardly and indiscriminate act of violence that justice will catch up with you and it will come in the form that you least expect and at a time that you will not predict," he added.
Earlier, AFP Spokesman Colonel Edgard Arevalo assured that local police and military personnel are not going to stop in the investigation and in pursuing every leads to identify and neutralise all those who took part in the bombing that took.
Arevalo told reporters that authorities won't stop until they arrest all those who took part"in this abominable attempt by terrorists to kill innocent civilians and destroy properties."
At the same, Arevalo said that they are calling on the people to be vigilant and continue their active participation with security forces in reporting their observations.
"We encourage them to notify the AFP and the Philippine National Police for any suspicious people or activities happening in their locality." Arevalo said.
AFP Chief of Staff of Staff Gen Carlito Galvez Jr commended the vigilance and dedication to duty and the sacrifice of the heroes who risked their own lives to protect the public.
The Philippines on Wednesday also ordered all its agencies concerned to heighten security in airports, seaports and road transport terminals following the bombing incident.
In a statement on Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade offered his condolences to the families of those killed and vowed to ensure that the incident would not happen again.
