It is a “plain act of terrorism,” PNP says
(Eagle News) — The Philippine National Police on Tuesday, Jan. 29, said the bombings in Jolo, Sulu were “definitely not related” to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
According to Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, based on their investigation, “this is just a plain act of terrorism on the part of the suspects.”
“Planado ito. Ang pambobomba ay a result of months of planning,” Banac said, noting that there was also “no indication” the attack was done by a “suicide bomber.”
Banac said the police were already conducting a manhunt operation against the suspects, who authorities said were caught on footage from closed-circuit television camera in the area.
Earlier, PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said one of the suspects in the blasts was a member of the Ajang Ajang group affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf.
This was after the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place after the Commission on Elections deemed ratified the BOL.
The BOL aims to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a more autonomous Bangsamoro.
Sulu had rejected ratification of the law.
“Wag kayo mangamba kung makita niyo na mas maraming police operations ngayon…dyan sa mga establishments, malls. Mas lalong naghihigpit security guards ngayon..dahil lahat ng public places, places of convergence, transportation, lahat yan kailangan nating mabigyan ng proteksyon,” Banac told the public.