MANILA – Malacañang denounced the suspected terrorist attack in Basilan province that killed at least 10 people, including four civilians.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the latest terrorist attack in Basilan perpetrated in violation of our laws,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said Tuesday.
Roque described the attack as “a war crime” under the International Humanitarian Law “because it constitutes an indiscriminate attack.”
The Palace official assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
A “horrifying attack” was how Sen. Risa Hontiveros described the incident.
“I stand with the people of Mindanao at this critical time. I join them in condemning this kind of violent extremism,” she said.
Hontiveros asked the administration to ensure the incident will not derail efforts to achieve peace in Mindanao.
Meanwhile Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the government should “step up” its intelligence and security capabilities in the face of what he called a “new deadly threat.”
“If it can be established that it was indeed a case of suicide bombing, considering that it was the first of its kind in the country, it is frightening to say the least as, God forbid, it could start a series of such terroristic acts that could hit other highly populated urban centers,” said Lacson.
A “proactive offense prompted by good intelligence” is the country’s best defense, he said.
For her part Sen. Nancy Binay said the Basilan attack was a “brazen and despicable act of cowardice.”
Binay urged the Filipinos to fight violence and collectively condemn the incident.
“Napakabigat sa damdamin na makita na maraming buhay ang nawala,” she said. “Gayunpaman, manatiling kalmado at ligtas at maging mapagmatyag sa lahat ng oras.”/PN
