The government has tightened security measures in public areas, particularly in places of worship, following the deadly blast in Jolo, Sulu.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he directed troops to heighten their alert level, secure all places of worship and public places at once and initiate pro-active security measures to thwart hostile plans.

With the help of relevant agencies of government, I strongly commit to pursue the criminals with the full force of the law.

He urged the public to be more vigilant and to cooperate with the authorities in reporting any security-related concerns, stressing the need to stay calm “to deny terrorists any victory.”

“As we convey our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and offer our sympathy to the peace-loving people of Sulu who are severely affected by this dastardly act, we assure our people that we will use the full force of the law to bring to justice the perpetrators behind this incident,” Lorenzana said.

Defense, military and police officials scored the perpetrators of the bloody bomb attack.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has immediately secured the explosion area and transported the casualties to the nearest medical facilities, including the air evacuation of some victims to Zamboanga City for further medication and evaluation,” Lorenzana said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines logo (Wikipedia) Treacherous

AFP chief of staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal condemned the bomb attack and called it treacherous.

“We strongly condemn this treachery and commiserate with the families of the victims. I strongly commit, with the help of relevant agencies of government, to pursue the criminals with the full force of the law to ensure that the victims of this injustice will be prosecuted and punished,” he added.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the military is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the investigation aimed at identifying and arresting the suspects.

“We are in close coordination with PNP counterparts to aid in the investigation and identification of the perpetrators,” he said.

PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde has ordered a thorough investigation.

“We will ensure that justice will be served at the soonest time possible,” he added.

Malacañang condemned “in the strongest possible term” the culprits of the attack.

Senators also urged government security forces to conduct a thorough investigation of the explosions.

Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, sent medical teams to Jolo to assist in the emergency response.

“I am outraged that the bombings had reportedly killed innocent individuals. This senseless act of violence must be condemned at the very least,” said Angara in a statement.

“I call on our police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, go after the perpetrators and hold them accountable for this cowardly act. The innocent victims deserve justice,” he added.

A similar call was made by Sen. Nancy Binay, saying “I urge the authorities to look deeply at the reason why the bombings happened, especially considering the whole island of Mindanao is presently under martial law.”

Both Angara and Binay expressed sympathies with the families of the 17 killed and 57 wounded in the bombing.

Binay was disappointed that despite all-out efforts to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao, some are still bent on spoiling such initiatives.

“It is quite saddening that while there are initiatives to finally end the conflict to have permanent peace, there are also those who continue to terrorize and find ways to derail and impair the gains for peace,” Binay lamented.