Kalinaw News: AFP Chief of Staff enjoins public to honor the fallen, victims in terror attacks

From Kalinaw News (Aug 29, 2020): AFP Chief of Staff enjoins public to honor the fallen, victims in terror attacks

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City–Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff enjoined the public to honor and remember the victims of the twin suicide bombing attacks on Monday, August 24, in Jolo, Sulu. The explosions that killed 15 and wounded 74 including civilians were attributed to the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group that has been the subject of intense intelligence monitoring and combat operations.

“The AFP remains unshaken, steadfast, and committed in fulfilling our mandate to the Filipino. We ask everyone to join us in honoring and remembering the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and innocent civilians who were caught in these hapless attacks,” AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen.

Gilbert LTGen Gapay also reminded the public on their role in peace and security and their duty as citizens of the country. “Security is a shared responsibility, one that should be embedded in our consciousness. The Anti-Terror Act of 2020, despite enhancing our capability to prevent such careless hatred, will fail without the mindful cooperation of every Filipino,” Lt. Gen. Gapay said.

Two female suicide bombers were identified to be behind the attacks. Senior military officials identified them as the wife of 23-year-old Norman Lasuca, the first identified Filipino suicide bomber; while the other was the widow of Talha Jumsah alias Abu Talha, a slain bomb expert. The AFP chief assured every Filipino of the military’s commitment to secure the country against all threats, lauding the bravery of those in the frontlines of battles against enemies seen and unseen.

“The AFP lauds all our frontline personnel who continue to step up and lead the charge to keep our communities safe, even at the risk of their own lives,” “This week we have been reminded of the volatile security situation in Sulu and how the threat of terrorism and extremism continue to affect the lives of civilians in Western Mindanao. This threat persists and the twin suicide bombing in Jolo last Monday shows how it has evolved over the years,” Lt. Gen. Gapay added. “Again, we are calling on everyone to do your share in keeping our country safe. With your help, we are confident that we will triumph over these challenges together,” Lt. Gen. Gapay concluded.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-chief-of-staff-enjoins-public-to-honor-the-fallen-victims-in-terror-attacks/