Hataman condemns Cotabato bombing, calls culprits evil
BANGSAMORO NEWS UPDATES • 02:44 AM Tue Jan 1, 2019
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By:
Edwin O. Fernandez
One of the victims who sustained leg injuries at a hospital. (contributed photo)
COTABATO CITY –
Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM) has condemned the bombing in front of a mall here Monday, leaving two
persons dead and dozens injured.
Two persons
were killed and more than 40 others were hospitalized due to shrapnel injuries
in various parts of the body following a bomb explosion at about 1:50 p.m.,
more or less 10 hours before the New Year.
Suspected
Islamists set off the IED in a row of roadside stalls selling firecrackers,
trumpets, toys and Christmas decors.
We are
irrevocably grieved about the casualties incurred, thoroughly condemn this act,
and call for a thorough investigation. We need to make sure acts like these
never happen again, and that the perpetrator is brought to justice, Hataman
said.
Cotabato City is
not part of ARMM but the city hosts the regional government center of the
region.Hagtaman urged
investigators to look deeply into the case and ensure that civilians to not be
caught up in the chaos surrounding this terrorist act. We cannot afford to be
divisive at this moment. Only by melding together can we bring about peace and
justice.
He urged civil
leaders and security officials to remain united. What we need is to be composed, to redouble
our efforts, and to hold on to our dream of peace in the region. We cannot be
divided on this front.
Calling the
incident an evil act, Hataman urged the people of ARMM to pray for the people
of the city.
Evil acts
like these will be punished in this world and the next, while all good deeds
will be rewarded. Let us remember the good people of Cotabato for the sake of
our community, Hataman said in a statement released here.