AKBAYAN SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS ON THE BASILAN BLAST

I strongly condemn the reported bombing in Lamitan, Basilan which resulted in the killing of 11 persons, including a detachment commander from the 19th Special Forces, a woman and a child, and critically wounded 5 Scout Rangers, including a young lieutenant.

I mourn with the people of Mindanao over this horrifying attack. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their terrible loss, and wish the injured their full and speedy recovery.

I call on our authorities to immediately conduct an investigation on this matter and bring to justice all those responsible for this despicable and cowardly act. The administration must secure the peace in the region. It must see to it that this incident will not derail our efforts to achieve peace and prosperity in the region, especially with the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

I stand with the people of Mindanao at this critical time. I join them in condemning this kind of violent extremism.