Bohol Island News Staff | Posted on Aug. 24, 2020 at 6:54 p.m.
Two twin explosions killed 13 people and wounded more than 70 people on Monday, Aug. 24 in Jolo, Sulu.
As of 5:29 p.m., August 24, the Sulu blasts incurred a total of 89 casualties with breakdown as follows: killed- 6 civilians and 7 soldiers; wounded- 48 civilians, 9 PNP personnel, and 19 soldiers.
The first explosion transpired near Paradise Food Plaza along Serantes St., Barangay Walled City, at 11:55 a.m.
Six soldiers died and 16 others were wounded. The wounded personnel were promptly given medical attention and thereafter evacuated to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital by the responding troops.
Four civilians were also reportedly killed and 9 others were wounded in the incident.
While troops were cordoning off the bomb site, a suicide bomber attempted to penetrate the area and blasted himself near the Development Bank of the Philippines, in front of New Trading along Sanchez St, same barangay, at 1:00 p.m. which resulted in the killing of one soldier and the wounding of nine government forces (3 soldiers, 6 PNP personnel).
Combat clearing operations and investigations are currently being conducted to identify the perpetrators, according to a statement released by the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
Metro Jolo was locked down to prevent further casualties and preempt any other untoward incident.
The Joint Task Force Sulu also assures the public that they will continue to sustain the security efforts for peace and stability in the province.
“Ground troops continue to establish the circumstances and identify the perpetrators behind this inhumane attack,” Major General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., the Westmincom chief, said.
“As per initial investigation, the first explosion emanated from a vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device whereby two of our military vehicles parked in the area were partially damaged,” Maj. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.
“We call on the peace-loving people of Jolo to be more vigilant and to offer prayers for the victims of the two explosions,” Maj. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. concluded.
