A papal charity organization has joined in condemning the August 24 deadly twin bombings that rocked the southern Philippine island of Jolo.
At the same time, newly installed Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo Bishop Charlie Inzon earlier appealed for an end to the violence as the bombings believed to be perpetrated by a suicide bomber rocked the island municipality anew.
“Covid is already a terrible burden we carry daily. Spare us from yet another tragedy. God help us. Answer our prayers,” said Inzon exclusively to PressONE.ph.
He urged the public to pray, and to remain calm and be vigilant.
“Because of what happened here today, we appeal for your prayers for such incident not to happen again. Let us pray for all the victims and people should stay calm,” the Catholic prelate said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.
Inzon assumed his post as Apostolic Vicar of Jolo on July 16, feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, patroness of the vicariate.
The Philippine office of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) said “no reason can justify such violence” that occurred near a Catholic cathedral that was targeted in a suicide bombing last year.
“Those responsible for these atrocities are cruel and ruthless, devoid of any ounce of humanity or respect for life and property,” the ACN said.
“This crime is even rendered more unconscionable because of the hardships our people are going through during the Covid-19 pandemic,” it said.
Fourteen people were killed and dozens were wounded in the double blasts, including a suicide bomber.
Authorities said the fatalities include seven soldiers, one policeman and six civilians.
The ACN has expressed its sympathies to the families of the victims killed and wounded in the attack.
The organization also demanded justice for the victims “and fully supports the investigating agencies involved.”
“ACN prays that justice be swift and unrelenting for the guilty…a solace for the victims,” it said.
Since 1947, the organization has been serving various countries around the world, especially in areas where Christians are a small minority.
In January 2019, a suicide bombing at the nearby Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel left 23 people dead and more than 100 were injured as worshippers were gathering for Sunday Mass.
Jolo is located in the province of Sulu, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State and is notorious for bombings and kidnapping.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the 2019 attacks, saying two suicide bombers carried out the attack. CBCP News and PNA
Image credits: AFP Western Estern Mindanao Command