Gov’t trying to establish if Sulu blasts linked to BOL ratification – Esperon

January 27, 2019

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the government security agencies have yet to establish if the twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu Sunday morning were related to the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

The "no" votes won in the plebiscite for BOL in Sulu.

"I have to add that the explosion comes after the success of the plebiscite for the BOL. While the BOL lost narrowly in Sulu, it won 1:7 in the whole region, with Cotabato City even voting for inclusion in Bangamoro ARMM," Esperon said.

"We have yet to establish if the two explosion are related to the all - important BOL. The BOL ends the secessionist narrative. The BOL signifies the end of war for secession. It stands for peace in Mindanao," he said.

He called the perpetrators "mass murderers" and "extreme criminals" who wanted to spoil the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

"We will not allow them to spoil the preference of the people for peace. Security forces have tightened up the systems to secure Sulu and the rest of BARMM," Esperon said.

"Peace must prevail over war," he said.

The twin explosions resulted to 18 people dead and 82 injured. Ella Dionisio/DMS