Palace condemns latest blast in Sultan Kudarat
MALACAÑANG on Monday condemned the latest explosion in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that killed one person and wounded over a dozen others.
In a statement, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. assured the public that the government would bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
“We strongly denounce the latest attack in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. We are deeply saddened by the death of one innocent victim, per initial report, and pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” Roque told reporters.
Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now in Israel, has been kept updated on all developments by the Philippine National Police (PNP), which has ordrred its men there to increase visibility and patrol and tighten security.
“We ask the residents to report anything suspicious to the authorities as we bring to justice all culprits behind this dastardly attack,” Roque said.
According to reports, the blast happened inside a computer shop in Barangay Kalawag 2 in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.
PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said there were 14 victims in total. Among these victims was an 18-year-old who was declared dead on arrival.
“We are saddened by the casualties brought about by this cowardly act perpetrated by people hell bent on their nefarious goals without regard for the lives of civilians,” Albayalde was quoted as saying in reports.
“I have instructed our men on the ground to increase patrol, tighten security in the area, and intensify our cooperation with all other allied forces,” he said.
The blast happened barely a week after an explosion in the same area killed at least three people and wounded dozens more on Tuesday night. CATHERINE S. VALENTE
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