Lorenzana rejects ISIS claim they bombed church in Jolo

January 29, 2019

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana rejected a claim by an  international terrorist group they are responsible for the bombing in a church in Jolo where at least 20 were reported dead  last Sunday.

“No, until we get more evidence to confirm it we will not readily accept this from the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria),” Lorenzana told Daily Manila Shimbun Tuesday.

“They have been quick to own up events in the past and it turned out they had nothing to do with it,” he added.

Lorenzana give his comment after the ISIS claimed responsibility for the bombing.

The international terrorist group said the attack was made by two suicide bombers who detonated explosive belts at the church.

Following the incident, the United Kingdom issued an advisory, warning its citizen against travelling to areas of western and central Mindanao, Sulu archipelago as well in south Cebu including the municipalities of Dalaguete and Badian, citing terrorist threats and clashes between military and insurgent groups.

In a message to defense reporters, Lorenzana said it is the duty of any country to warn their people against possible threats.

“We cannot question other countries’ duty to warn their nationals. Same as it is our own prerogative to give similar warning to our citizens,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS