Statement of Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Sulu bombing

We condole with the loved ones of those killed and wounded. We condemn the bomb attacks at a Roman Catholic Cathedral in Sulu that killed at least 19 persons and wounded dozens.

We trust that proper attention is being given to the victims and that the authorities are now on the hunt for the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

The attack comes at the heels of a successful plebiscite that affirmed the Moro people's desire to have a new Bangsamoro region that they will govern.

Let us not be distracted and defeated by warmongers and violent elements in our midst. An immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators will give justice to the victims and send a strong message that this government will not allow the rule of violence to triumph.

This incident is also a challenge for the government to show what martial law in Mindanao can do to address these attacks.

We have come such a long way in our quest to realize the peace we have long desired for Muslim Mindanao. Let's not allow it to be derailed this time.