MLANG, North Cotabato -– Police authorities
here continue to gather evidences and information about unidentified men who
set off an improvised explosive device (IED) at a busy public market here
Wednesday afternoon which left one dead and 35 others wounded, four of whom
were in serious condition.
Mlang Mayor Joselito Pinol also urged the police and
military to expedite the probe on and seek people’s cooperation who can provide
information that could identify, arrest and prosecute the suspects.
Earlier radio sketchy report said four persons could have
died in the blast that occurred at 3:45 p.m. while hundreds of rush shoppers
mill around the site where the IED went off.
But Ferdinand Pinol, town administrator, said only one
person died and identified as Christine Salo, 28 of Barangay Bialong, Mlang. He
said four of those rushed to various hospitals were in critical condition.
North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza condemned the attack and
urged Mlang local officials to strengthen their resolve in protecting our
people from further barbarism.
”We have witnessed once again acts of barbarism aimed at
disrupting our peace and order initiatives.While I assure you that your
provincial leadership is exhausting all efforts in bringing these cowards into
the folds of law and prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Mendoza said.
”This act has no place in a civilized society. I reiterate
our firm stand against any form of violence on our people,” she added.
She conveyed condolences to the family of the dead and
offered prayer for the full recovery of those who were injured.
”While we are sincere in our offer of peace to everyone, we
seek justice for all the innocent victims as well,” she said in a statement.
To the perpetrators, Mendoza
said: “Your actions today will not discourage the provincial leadership in its
pursuit of a peaceful North Cotabato . Your
outright disrespect to every Cotabateño will end sooner than later.”
Wednesday afternoon’s bombing came 38 days after a similar
IED was set off by still unidentified men at a makeshift billiard hall in front
of the town plaza that left three teenagers dead and wounded 23 others.
On Monday, police operatives from PNP in Region 12, arrested
a man due to drug pushing but later identified him to be one of those who set
off an IED in the Nov. 23 bombing.
All the victims in the public market blast Wednesday were
merrymakers preparing for the New Year’s revelry.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=720937
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.