Article by:
Lade Jean Kabagani
MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has assured that authorities will go after the perpetrators of the recent bombing of a passenger bus in Aleosan, North Cotabato.
In a statement on Wednesday, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. asked the public to stay calm but always remain vigilant.
"Rest assured that the national government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to the bar of justice," Galvez said.
Galvez strongly condemned the "ruthless attack" on Tuesday morning that injured at least six people, three of them children, and killed a 5-year-old boy.
In an initial report, bomb experts said an improvised explosive device was planted under one of the seats near the rear portion of the bus and set off through a mobile phone.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the victim, as we pray for the swift recovery of all those wounded. It is heartbreaking that as our country continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic and is still in the process of recovering from the wrath of Typhoon Odette, the agents of violence have once again made their presence felt and wrought havoc among our people," Galvez said.
He lamented such "brutal acts have no room in a humane, peaceful society."
Galvez believes the attack was clearly perpetrated by those who wanted to sow fear, animosity, and division among people.
"Let us all band together and show them that they cannot break our will and spirit – that we are strong, unfazed, and united," he said.
Galvez warned those who wanted to dismantle the peace process in Mindanao.
"And for those who wish to diminish the gains of the peace process, which we have worked so hard to push forward and sustain – this is our message to all of you: You will not succeed because we, all peace-loving Filipinos, will stand guard to protect these gains at all cost," said Galvez.
The use of improvised explosive devices with anti-personnel mine characteristics is illegal and prohibited under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, otherwise known as the Mine Ban Treaty, signed during the Geneva Convention in 1997. (PNA)
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