Security lapses eyed in Jolo blast: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 29, 2019): Security lapses eyed in Jolo blast: Lorenzana

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said lapses in security led to the twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu which killed at least 20 persons and wounded 112 others last January 27.

He made this statement after noting that as early as August last year, they received information regarding plans of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists to bomb the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral.

"That is correct, there were reports that Catholic Churches in Jolo, Basilan and (Zamboanga) would be bombed as early as August 2018, with Jolo as most probable. Since then, the Jolo Cathedral was guarded by soldiers 24 hours a day. We will never know how the bombers got in or near the church as the soldiers guarding the main door all died," Lorenzana said in a message to reporters.

He noted that other soldiers who entered the church to rescue victims of the first explosion were hit by the second bomb.

"Was there (a) lapse? While we were briefed that all people going inside were searched, it is possible that there may be lapse in the procedure," the DND chief added.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato echoed Lorenzana's position on the incident.

"Just the mere fact that a bomb exploded inside the church (in Jolo, Sulu) means there were lapses. As to how it actually happened, we will never know as the soldier on duty also died in the blast," he added.

In connection with this, Detoyato said security protocols will be updated to prevent a repeat of the incident.

"Meanwhile we will reconstruct the events leading to the blast through interviews and data gathering so that we can effect changes in the existing security protocols," the AFP official stressed.

Detoyato, however, downplayed reports that the Jolo attack was conducted by suicide bombers.

"In the course of the investigation, may mga natanong na mga wounded na nasa hospital, dalawa sa kanila is sabi may nakita sila na babae na nag-iwan ng bag on the fifth pew ng simbahan (some of the wounded in the hospital were asked. Two of them said they saw a woman who left a bag on the fifth pew of the church) coming from (the) back. Parang on the fifth pew, iniwan yung bag, umalis yung babae (It seems that the bag was left on the fifth pew and the woman also left). Then a few seconds after, may sumabog (there was an explosion) So yun ang (that was the) method of deployment so hindi siya (it is not a) suicide bombing. So, ang (the) method of deployment ng (of) IED (improvised explosive device), iniwan yung bag (the bag was left) and then babae (there was a woman) and then remotely, it was remotely detonated so that would dispel the reports na may (of) suicide bombing," he added.

Detoyato also bared that since 2000, there have been 10 bombing incidents in and around the vicinity of the church and the principal suspects have always been ASG members.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060376