(Eagle News) — The Palace on Wednesday, Aug. 1, urged the public to be more vigilant following the blast in Basilan that killed at least 11 people.
“The attack in Basilan once again highlights the need for greater vigilance on the part of government..,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque added in a statement.
He said the Cabinet security cluster has yet to meet to discuss the incident.
The group, however, he said, “meets on its own accord informally.”
The bomb that killed 11 people exploded as government security forces were inspecting the van where it had been placed in a checkpoint in Lamitan.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities have said this could not be said with certainty yet.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said they would make sure those behind the attack would be held accountable.