Jolo bishop named head of Cotabato archdiocese

By Edwin Fernandez

APPOINTED. Archbishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, (left) newly installed Archbishop of Cotabato walks with Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia. Lampon is the 4th archbishop of Cotabato. (Photo courtesy of Emma Bondoc of Pikit, North Cotabato Parish)

COTABATO CITY – The former prelate of Jolo, who assumed as new head of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, said on Wednesday that he was leaving his flock with a heavy heart following the twin blasts that ripped through the Jolo cathedral that killed 22 people and injured 97 others.

While his installation and canonical possession to the archdiocese calls for a celebration, Archbishop Angelito Lampon of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), said he has mixed feelings.

He told reporters he was battling a turmoil after the Jolo cathedral was desecrated by the twin bombings and littered with human blood.

“My heart is bleeding for my people. They are my family. We have been together the past 21 years,” Lampon said.

In a tightly-guarded ceremony Wednesday afternoon, Lampon was installed by Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, as archbishop of Cotabato.

He replaces Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, who has retired as head of the Cotabato archdiocese.

While he appreciated the efforts and presence of those in attendance, Lampon specifically mentioned and recognized those coming from Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, who traveled three days to reach Cotabato City, including the Jolo cathedral bombing survivors.

About 30 bishops and archbishops joined the celebration at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral here aside from about 50 priests and other religious leaders.

The Army and police imposed strict security during the event, blocking portions of the roads leading to the cathedral and deploying armored personnel carriers along major city streets. (PNA)

ARMM provides cash aid to Jolo blast victims

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr

 

Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., secretary of the Department of Health in ARMM (DOH-ARMM) examines the X-Ray film of one of the victims of double bomb attacks at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu as ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman (left) looks on. (Photo courtesy: Bureau of Public Information-ARMM)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has provided financial assistance to 36 of the over 100 survivors of the twin bomb attacks on a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu.

Each of the 36 victims received PHP20,000 from ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, who visited them late Monday at the hospital.

“These survivors are undergoing treatment for the wounds they sustained from the attacks at the Zamboanga City Medical Hospital,” Hataman said.

An update released by the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters on Tuesday said 22 people were killed while some 100 others were wounded in the twin blasts at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.

“Our staff in the province (of Sulu) are also ready to assist the victims, the survivors, and their families,” said lawyer Laisa Alamia, secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in ARMM (DSWD-ARMM).

Cash assistance of PHP500,000 will also be given to the parish for the renovation or repair of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral.

Meanwhile, the regional government has begun distributing relief goods to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) on Tuesday in Barangays Bungkaong and Latih, Patikul, Sulu.

“So far, the DSWD-ARMM has monitored around 62 families displaced, from Barangay Bungkaong and other barangays to Barangay Latih in Patikul,” Alamia said, adding that the number of IDPs is expected to increase in the coming days.

The IDPs evacuated as the security forces have launched an offensive against the Abu Sayyaf bandits tagged as behind Sunday’s bomb attacks on the cathedral.

Alamia said the DSWD-ARMM will continue to provide assistance to the IDPs until they can safely return to their homes. (PNA)

Kin of 2 soldiers killed in Jolo blast plead for justice

By Villamor Visaya, Jr

CAUAYAN CITY -- The families of two soldiers who were killed in the deadly church blasts in Jolo, Sulu last Sunday, cried for justice as the Philippine flag-draped coffins of the victims arrived at the Cauayan airport here on board a C-130 plane, Tuesday afternoon.

The remains of Army Sgt. Mark Des Simbre of San Isidro, Isabela and Corporal John Mangawit of Tanudan, Kalinga were met with arrival honors by their colleagues and were later brought to the 5th Infantry Division for necrological services before they would be brought to their hometowns on Wednesday.

FALLEN 'HERO'. The coffin bearing the remains of one of the two soldiers killed in last Sunday's church blast in Jolo -- identified as Sgt. Mark Dres Simbre and Cpl. John Mangawit -- is carried by their fellow soldiers upon arrival in Cauayan City from Zamboanga City, January 29, 2019 . (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)

Simbre and Mangawit belong to the 41st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army who were deployed in Jolo in 2017 to beef up the military contingent there.

“It pains to see my husband in a coffin but I cannot bring him back to life anymore. He is a hero for the country,” Simbre’s wife, Rosemarie, said as she was comforted by her relatives.

Mangawit’s coffin was also met by some his relatives from Kalinga while his wife was still on her way to the military camp in Gamu after staying in Abra.

Major Gen. Perfecto Rimando, 5th Infantry Division commander, described the slain soldiers as “heroes who lost their lives and limbs” in the quest for peace.

“We honor their service in the military as exemplary for sacrificing their lives for service,” he added.

Simbre and Mangawit were among the 22 people killed and more or less 100 others wounded in the bomb blasts.

Their colleagues who were wounded in the incident were identified as Staff Sgt. Victor Ubaldo, Corporal Jonel Ngitit, Corporal Timothy Bigot, Private First-Class Jonathan Magguia, and Private Cliver Serquiña.

ASG member killed in Zambo shootout

By Ely Dumaboc

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Police have neutralized an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf’s Urban Terrorist Group (UTG) in a shootout in this southern port city, an official announced Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Elmer Solon, Police Station 11 chief, identified the slain UTG member as Mohamar Lungbos Hasilon alias Weng-Weng, 21.

A member of the police' explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) team examines the bomb-making materials recovered from Mohamar Hasilun, an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf' Urban terrorist Group, who was killed in a shootout late Monday in Barangay Sto. Niño, Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy: Remus L. Ong)

Hasilon was killed in a shootout during an intelligence-driven law enforcement operation around 9:21 p.m. Monday in Barangay Sto. Niño.

Solon said investigation showed that a shootout ensued when Hasilon, while walking along the side of the road, pulled a .45-caliber pistol and opened fire upon sensing the approaching police team from the 904th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-9.

He said the suspect fled to an abandoned building and was pursued by the policemen where he sustained multiple gunshot wounds as another shootout ensued.

Hasilon was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Recovered from the scene of the shootout were .45-caliber pistol and a handbag containing bomb-making materials such as one-liter bottle filed with Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil, detonating cord, electric time fuse, a cellular phone and an M-26 grenade.

Investigation further showed that Hasilon is known to be an active member of UTG under the leadership of Marzan Ajijul, who operates in the east coast of this city, Solon disclosed.

Solon said the slain suspect is also a member of the “City Hunter”, a gun-for-hire (contract killers) group, operating in Isabela City, Basilan and in this city.

The shootout ensued two days after alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group detonated two improvised bombs that killed at least 20 people and injured 112 others at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police has yet to determine whether the incident is linked to Sunday's attack.

"This incident is now under investigation. It is still too early to say that the recovered items are connected to Jolo bombing incident considering the distance. Suspects were able to escape though. Updates to follow," PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said in a message to reporters. (With report from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

Zambo on heightened alert after Sulu blast

By Dominic I. Sanchez

 ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) --The city is secure, security authorities here assured in the wake of the bombing of the Jolo Cathedral  in Jolo, Sulu  Sunday morning (January 27) . However, they are not taking any chance and have exerted more effort to protect Zamboanga City and its residents from any eventuality.

Residents are advised to expect more police and military presence in the city’s thoroughfares and strategic areas which include more checkpoints and bomb squads.

“Zamboanga City is on heightened alert and we encourage everyone to cooperate with the police and military if they observe suspicious activities or persons,” said Mayor Beng Climaco.

Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Shellamie Chang said intelligence personnel have been continuously monitoring the security situation in the city and found no particular threats.

“We are still under Martial Law, we are still on full alert,” Chang said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 9 is now profiling the fatalities and wounded victims in  Sunday’s blast.

“The DSWD is fast-tracking the profiling so we can provide the needed assistance to the victims as soon as possible. We will be coordinating with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office for this purpose,” said DSWD 9 information officer Ivan Salvador.

The Philippine Red Cross in Zamboanga City is also calling on residents to donate blood for the wounded victims of the Jolo Cathedral blast.

Based on the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) data this morning, 20 people were killed while 97 were wounded in the blast. The list of  victims has not yet been officially released as of this report.

In a statement released earlier, WESTMINCOM reported that the suspects  belong to Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who may have done this in retaliation for the death of a sub leader last year.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the explosion is an “isolated incident” and a “lapse in security” despite the Martial Law.

 Panelo appealed to the public not to speculate whether this incident was  related to the recently-concluded Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite, as “it would be unfair to certain groups.”

He said President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to visit Jolo within the day.

MILF vows to help gov’t run after Jolo Church bombers

By Edwin Fernandez

COTABATO CITY -- The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership condemned the Jolo Church bombing and offered to pursue the culprits behind the carnage.

Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace panel, condemned what he described as a "senseless violence" that resulted in the death of at least 20 people, he said in the MILF online news.

"This criminal act has no place in our civilized society, especially that we are about to reap the fruits of our struggle with the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law," he said.

During the January 21 plebiscite, majority of the people in Muslim Mindanao voted in favor of the law that will create a new Bangsamoro region with greater autonomy, but Jolo and the entire province of Sulu voted against the proposed measure.

"The MILF is ready to support efforts in the apprehension of the perpetrators of the senseless violence that occurred in a place of worship while people were attending the morning mass," Iqbal said.

MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim believed the bombing was not connected to the January 21 plebiscite. The whole of Mindanao remains under martial law after Congress approved its extension this year. (PNA)

PNP chief off to Jolo to look into blast probe

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MANILA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, on Monday flew to Jolo to check on the ongoing probe into the explosion that took place inside and outside a Roman Catholic church in the capital of Sulu province that left at least 20 people dead and several others wounded.

“Lumipad para personal na tingnan ang imbestigasyon sa pagsabog (The PNP chief went to Jolo to personally look into the investigation on the explosion), to condole with the families of the victims, and to rally the forces in Jolo, Sulu. Also to maintain alertness and vigilance and to encourage them to fight this seemingly act of terrorism,” PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Bernard Banac told reporters.

Based on the report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the explosion occurred at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday.

Latest data from the PRO-ARMM show that as of the evening of January 27, of the 20 reported killed, five were military personnel, one from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and 14 were civilians. The 111 wounded were 90 civilians, 17 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, two from PNP, and two PCG personnel.

Earlier, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the government is still trying to determine if the twin explosions are related to the recently ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Malacañang condemned the attacks, vowing that the government will bring the perpetrators to justice. (PNA)

Mindanao execs condemn Jolo church bombing

Photo from FB post of Clarence Ann Arasad Fullero of Jolo, Sulu

DAVAO CITY -- Mindanao officials on Sunday condemned the deadly bombing inside a church in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu that left at least 17 dead and scores wounded.

"We condemn in strongest terms this murderous act that has victimized innocent lives in Jolo. This dastardly act of insanity should not be allowed to instill fear to our peace-loving populace,” Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said in a press statement Sunday.

Alonto vowed that government security forces will track down those responsible and bring the ruthless killers to justice.

“Hand in hand, let us strengthen our resolve to overcome the evil designs of those cowards behind this senseless act,” Alonto urged Mindanaoans.

Alonto also called on all citizens to unite and help the government rid the society of this "menace" that threatens the gains of peace and development efforts.

PBA Party-List Representative and Sulu caretaker-congressman, Jericho Nograles, also condemned the Jolo bombing in the strongest term.

“We offer our condolences to the families of the victims. We pray for your loss and grieve with you,” Nograles said in a press statement.

He also called on the military and the police to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible.

Nograles said the incident was a cowardly act that will only strengthen the government's resolve to rid Sulu of terrorists.

“I trust President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his administration will do the best they can for Sulu and the Philippines,” he added.

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) also sympathized with the people and condemned the bombing incident.

Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos, commander of the Eastmincom, ordered close monitoring and coordination with Armed Forced of the Philippines (AFP) counterparts in Western Mindanao and other law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) for better situation analysis.

“Our security mechanism is in place to ensure the safety of everyone,” Santos assured the public.

He further assured that the troops have heightened the alert level in the Eastmincom area, particularly all places of worship and places of convergence.

“Be informed, however, that we have not received any hard information that any of our areas is directly under threat,” he added.

Santos called on the people to be more vigilant and cooperative with authorities through reporting any security-related concerns.

Santos, who recently assumed the helm of Eastmincom, also asked the people to remain calm and avoid spreading false information as it could only cause panic in the communities. (PNA)

Death toll in Jolo church bombing rises to 17

By Ely Dumaboc

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The death toll in the twin explosions that ripped through a church in Jolo, Sulu has risen to 17, which included five soldiers dead, while 57 others were reported wounded, police said Sunday.

Senior Supt. Pablo Labra II, Sulu police director, said two improvised explosive devices exploded one after the other at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo.

Photos from United Kabalikat Civicom-Jolo chapter

Labra said the first IED exploded around 8:15 a.m. Sunday inside the church and the second, a minute later outside the cathedral.

Labra said the five slain soldiers belonged to the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion and were detailed to secure the church, while the other 12 fatalities were churchgoers.

Of the 57 wounded, he said 14 are soldiers of the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion, one member of the Philippine Coast Guard, and the 42 others are churchgoers.

Based on investigation, he said a woman was seen to have entered the church and pretended to be a devotee prior to the twin explosions.

He said investigation is still ongoing in a bid to unmask the identities of the people behind the twin bombings.

Meanwhile, former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan has condemned the incident, which he called a "barbaric act".

“We condemn the barbaric act of certain individuals or group in the cathedral bombing this morning against the worshippers as they try to sow terror and we should never give in,” Tan said. (PNA)

Zambo HIV treatment hub registers 400 patients

By R. G. Antonet Go

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) treatment hub has registered 400 People Living with Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (PLHIV) from 2008 until 2018.

This was bared on Saturday by Dr. Afdal Kunting, ZCMC public affairs director, who said that of the total number, 283 are undergoing treatment with anti-retroviral drugs for Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV).

Kunting said that 62 of the 400 have died while 47 have transferred to other treatment hubs and the remaining eight did not return to get their laboratory results.

Kunting said the youngest of the PLHIV is 17 and the oldest is 79. He said these patients are from Zamboanga Peninsula and the nearby provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, which are under the political jurisdiction of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

He also called on residents, especially those with risky sexual behavior, to voluntarily submit themselves for HIV testing.

“If you have the risk factor or risky behavior, have yourself tested. There are medications that control HIV and you can be productive members of the society,” Kunting said.

The HIV testing is done through blood samples and once positive, it will be referred to San Lazaro Hospital for confirmatory testing.

Kunting said those found positive with HIV are given anti-retroviral drugs that must be taken daily to suppress the virus. 

He added that PLHIV can no longer transmit the virus if and when the viral level is already in its lowest or undetectable level. (PNA)