By John Clifford Lintao
AT least 10 persons were killed, while 40 others were hurt in two consecutive explosions in Jolo, Sulu blasts on Monday, military authorities said.
“Lima ‘yung patay tapos 16 ‘yung wounded,” says Western Mindanao Command chief Major General Corleto Vinluan who himself was shocked over the magnitude of the bombs that was used.
“Malaki masyado ‘yung IED na ginamit.”
He said six soldiers and four civilians were killed in the incident.
In a radio interview, Lt. Col. Ronald Mateo, Civil Military Relations Officer of the 11th infantry division, however, said that aside from six dead soldiers, there were also 18 government troopers and 22 civilians who were injured.
“Mayroong dalawang magkasunod na pagsabog dito kanina. ‘Yung una is 11:55 a.m. and then ‘yung pangalawa ay 1 p.m. As of now, anim na killed in action na sundalo at 18 na wounded in action na sundalo,” Mateo said.
Vinluan believes Mundi Sawadjaan, who is related to the Abu Sayyaf Group, was behind the explosion.
“Ang may pakana lang talaga diyan si Mundi Sawadjaan. Actually siya na rin ‘yung mastermind sa bombing doon sa Cathedral, sa Indanan…” Vinluan said.
“Siya na, wala nang iba… wala nang ibang capable na mag-execute niyan kung hindi siya lang…” he added.
He said authorities are still determining what kind of bomb was used in the incident.
Joint Task Force Sulu spokesman Captain Rex Payot said military forces were assisting local government officials in their COVID-19 response efforts when the blast happened.
Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao chief Police Brigadier General Manuel Abu told GMA News Online that the incident happened in Barangay Walled City at 11:40 a.m.