AFP, PNP condemn perpetrators behind atrocities in Davao City, Jolo

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18): AFP, PNP condemn perpetrators behind atrocities in Davao City, Jolo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) vehemently condemned the masterminds behind the bombing in Davao City and beheading incident in Jolo even as its forces are now pursuing perpetrators behind the atrocities.

This was disclosed by AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla in a press briefing Wednesday.

"This is about the Mindanao incidents that have lately happened in Jolo and Davao. The AFP and the PNP headquarters have indeed received news about the inhuman, barbaric and brutal incident in the island of Jolo and the bombing incident in the city of Davao," he added.

The bombing took place at Ecoland, Davao City. Two persons were reported wounded when a blast ripped a van 9:25 a.m. Wednesday.

While the beheading of a Malaysian national, reportedly kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group took place in Jolo 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Padilla said both the military and police now have commanders on the ground who are attending to the incidents.

"We will await their full report. We likewise appeal to our media partners to check with our commanders on the ground for the latest development and link up with their public affairs teams," he stressed.

Despite these incidents, the APEC security task force is fully focused on doing its mandate in regard to the Philippines' hosting of the event.

"Our designated commanders in the ground have been tasked to take care all of these local issues. They are fully capable of addressing such and we trust in their judgements," Padilla pointed out.

He also clarified that these two incidents have no impact on the ongoing APEC meetings.

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