Palace says security lapses led to Jolo bombing

January 28, 2019

  Malacanang on Monday said there may be security lapses when twin blasts occurred in Jolo, Sulu last Sunday which resulted to at least 20 people dead and 112 wounded.

   "There is no other conclusion to reach," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

   "If you have security there and there are one or two bombs being placed inside then there must be a lapse in security," he added.

   Because of this incident, Panelo said government forces should be more strict in their security measures.

   "Like that motorcycle if you inspected that motorcycle before it got into that area then there would have been no bombing," he said.

   The two improvised bombs were placed inside the church and at the motorcycle which was parked outside the cathedral.

   Though he thinks there are lapses, Panelo said they have to wait for the investigation to find out if security forces should be held accountable.

   "Mine is just a reasonable conclusion derived from the circumstances surrounding the bombing," he said.

  For his part, Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde said the authorities may have slightly "relaxed" because it's been peaceful in the town for many years.

   "Well probably because it's been normal here for many years. No incident that's why our security become relaxed," Albayalde said.  "They did not expect that it will be brought inside the place of worship," he added.

   He said they will not take  for granted that the suspects will conduct more bombings.

   "That's why we will tightened our security here and then I think we should enhance our intelligence monitoring of course with the participation of our community," Albayalde said. 

  He said they will not add more troops as they have enough personnel. Ella Dionisio/DMS