NewsStatements of Condemnation for Jolo Cathedral Bombings
MORO NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT
Around 8 a.m. today, the 27th of January, two powerful bombs exploded at the Cathedral of Jolo, Sulu killing 27 people and injuring 111 others, said a reliable source in Jolo as of 6 p.m. tonight. 20 of those killed were civilians while 7 were members of the military security details assigned to the area during the Sunday mass at the Cathedral.
The twin bombings were most tragic as they claimed big number of casualties which had never been experienced in Jolo town before or in any part of the island province.
As relevant authorities were vigorously moving to find out the identity of the perpetrators of the dastardly and cowardly act to bring them to justice, it is a known fact that the hinterlands of Sulu since 1990 have been home to terrorist and lawless elements that are used to kidnapping-for-ransom and terrorism activities through the years.
The MNLF condemns under the strongest term the bombings for the great loss of innocent lives and for causing pain and suffering to the big number of the injured. The incident is most unfortunate and could only be the responsibility of terrorist, anti-peace, uncivilized and misguided persons.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and loved ones of the slain victims and hope that the injured would be able to recover soonest possible.
Yusop H. Jikiri
Chairman
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MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT
The leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) joins all peace-loving individuals in strongly condemning the twin bombing of the Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on January 27, 2019.
The double blast that killed 30 persons and wounded 112 individuals was nothing but a cowardly evil attempt to extinguish the hope for peace that we have in the newly ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). This early, the forces of extremism, wherever they may be coming from, are bent to keep us in the cycle of violence, distrust and hatred that we want to put an end to. This dastardly act of killing and hurting civilians and uniformed personnel, as well as desecrating the sanctity of places of worship, might be meant to stoke religious animosity between peoples of different faiths. But we will not allow them to succeed.
The MILF commits to assist in gathering information that can lead to the identification of the perpetuators and their eventual arrest. We are very willing to coordinate with the security sector and local government officials of Sulu in the investigation of this terroristic act. We have already instructed our officials in Sulu to intensify their gathering of information and coordinate and cooperate with the concern authorities investigating the incident.
We sincerely condole with the families of the victims and earnestly hope that they would find the courage, strength and patience in this tragic moment.
Al Haj Murad Ebrahim
Chairman
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DARUL IFTA REGION IX AND PALAWAN
Condemnation Statement on the Crime Bombing of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Jolo, Sulu on 27th January 2019
Darul Ifta’ of Region 9 and Palawan condemns in the strongest terms the bombing of Mt. Carmel Cathedral Parish church in Jolo, Sulu, which are against all human and Islamic norms.
This is grounded in the Noble Laws of Islam which forbid all forms of attacks on innocents. Islam, the religion of tolerance holds the human soul in high esteem, and considers the attack against innocent human beings a grave sin, this is backed by the Qur’anic verse which reads: “Whosoever kills a human being, it shall be as if he has killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind” (Qur’an 5:32). All Muslims ought to be united against all those who terrorize the innocents and those who permit the killings.
Islam has declared the spilling of blood and the destruction of house of worships as absolute prohibitions. It further reaffirmed that these terror acts ran counter to the teachings of the divine religions as well as ethical and human values, stressed the necessity of tracking down the perpetrators of these acts in the light of the results of investigations and bringing them to justice to inflict on them the penalty they deserve.
In this respect, we expressed our condolences and sympathy with the people and government and the families of the victims in these mournful and tragic circumstances.
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UNITED STATES
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim:
My deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of life in Jolo. We condemn this senseless violence and we will do everything possible to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
EUROPEAN UNION
EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Maja Kocijancic:
The European Union sends its sincere condolences to the many victims of today’s bombing during mass in the Cathedral of Jolo in the southern Philippines.
A human tragedy, this is also an attack against the basic right to practice one’s religion.
The European Union fully supports the Mindanao Peace Process and last week’s plebiscite on greater Bangsamoro regional autonomy. The EU plans to continue such support in the future.
EU Delegation to the Philippines:
The EU Delegation to the Philippines conveys its deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those who were killed and injured in Jolo, Sulu following the twin blasts that hit a cathedral this morning of January 27.
“I express my solidarity with the Filipino people during these trying times,” said European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen.
“Filipinos have always been resilient, steadfast, and collaborative, and I am certain that these values will see them through in this sad situation,” he said.
CANADA
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
An attack on people attending Sunday services is a despicable act of cowardice, and Canada strongly condemns today’s cathedral bombing in Jolo, Philippines. My deepest condolences to all the families affected by this tragedy.
JAPAN
Japanese Embassy in the Philippines:
Ambassador Koji Haneda offers his sincerest condolences to the victims of two atrocious bombing incidents that occurred on Sunday morning at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, and expresses his sympathies to all those affected.
Such terrorist attacks shall never be tolerated. Japan firmly condemns this terrorist act in the strongest terms.
Japan stands with the Philippines when the government and people of the Philippines are overcoming this difficulty in solidarity. Also Japan will continue to support the Philippines in achieving sustainable peace and stability in Mindanao in accordance with the ongoing political transition process under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
FRANCE
French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs:
France utterly condemns the attack against the cathedral in Jolo Island last January 27, for which Daesh has claimed responsibility and which killed some 20 people and injured around 100 others, according to the information available.
France extends its condolences to the victims’ families, as well as to the Filipino people. It stands alongside the Philippines in the fight against terrorism.
RUSSIA
Condolences to President of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte
Vladimir Putin sent condolences to President of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte in connection with the tragic aftermath of the terrorist attack in Jolo.
The message reads, in part:
“A crime committed against civilians who had congregated for church services is shocking in its cynicism and cruelty. I expect that the masterminds and perpetrators of this crime will sustain the punishment they deserve.
I would like to reiterate our readiness to further step up interaction with our Philippine partners in combating the terrorist threat in all its forms and manifestations.
People in Russia share the grief of the victims’ friends and families and hope for a prompt recovery of the injured.”
VATICAN
Pope Francis:
Let us pray for the victims of the terrorist attack on the Cathedral of Jolo, in the Philippines. May the Lord, Prince of Peace, convert the hearts of the violent, and grant the inhabitants of that region a peaceful coexistence.
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ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION
OIC Strongly Condemns Armed Attack on Church in Southern Philippines
The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a Roman Catholic cathedral in southern Philippines today, Sunday, 27 January 2019, which resulted in the killing of at least 20 people and leaving dozens wounded.
The OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen expressed his deep indignation at the terrorist attack and conveyed the solidarity of the OIC with the people of the Philippines. He offered his sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this vicious act, and wished quick recovery to the wounded.
He further renewed the OIC’s firm rejection of violence, extremism and terrorism in all their forms, whatever their sources or motives.
WORLD BANK
The World Bank Philippine Office sends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent bombings in Jolo.
We are saddened by these attacks which have marred with violence an otherwise peaceful and successful democratic exercise to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
The World Bank stands ready to extend support to the Philippines through our longstanding and ongoing partnerships for peace and development in Mindanao.
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CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Statement on the Jolo Cathedral bombing
“As former religious leaders of Jolo we totally condemn the criminal bombing of the Jolo Cathedral. It is the most heinous desecration of a sacred place, on a sacred day, and at a sacred moment of worship. It is truly a satanic act that all sacred religions must condemn. This is the action of evil people with utter disregard for the sacredness of human life and of human dignity. We entrust the innocent victims to the Lord’s compassion and pray for their grieving families. We strongly appeal to our security and military forces to flush out the perpetrators of this barbaric crime and bring them to justice. May the One God of all preserve us from evil and lead us to the way of peace.”
Archbishop-Elect Angelito R. Lampon, OMI, Bishop Emeritus of Jolo;
Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, Former Parish Priest of Jolo
OMI PHILIPPINE PROVINCE STATEMENT ON THE JOLO CATHEDRAL BOMBING
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Philippine Province are in deep grief and sorrow with the bombing of the Jolo Cathedral. We have lost brothers, sisters, and friends. We are one with their families in this difficult time – for they were also a family to us. Our grief is even greater as the bombing happened at a time when the Holy Mass is being celebrated at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral. Indeed, they have died as martyrs witnessing to their Christian faith as they braved to stay in Jolo despite constant intimidation and risks.
Our sympathy also extends to the men in uniform whose lives were sacrificed in their duty to protect the community.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms this treacherous, inhumane, and evil act of violence against the people of Jolo, especially to the Christian community. Such barbaric deed has no place in a civilized society where sacredness of life and human dignity is respected.
We therefore implore all concerned authorities to do their utmost duty to bring immediate justice to victims, their families, and the entire community of Jolo who are deeply afflicted by this atrocity.
Over the past decades, our people – Christians, Muslims, and Lumads – have been striving to work together to bring forth harmony, peace, and progress to this land. It is our hope that this tragic incident may not be a source of division, but rather a strong reason to build-up a community that is centered on the values of peace, dialogue, friendship, love, and solidarity that transcends religion, culture, or belief.
CHARLIE INZON, OMI
Provincial Superior
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Cotabato City
CATHOLIC BISHOP CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
CBCP statement on the Jolo cathedral bombings:
We, Catholic Bishops gathered in our Plenary Assembly in Manila, received today the sad news from Fr. Romeo S. Saniel, OMI, Apostolic Administrator of Jolo, of the bombing of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo during the Sunday Mass.
We condole with the families of the several soldiers and civilians who were killed by the explosions. We also express our sympathies with those who were wounded and extend our solidarity with the rest of the church-goers inside the Cathedral and the rest of the church community in the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo.
At the same time, we condemn this act of terrorism that has taken place only a few days after the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
As we begin a new phase in the peace process with the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM), we ask our Christian brethren to join hands with all peace-loving Muslim and Indigenous People communities in the advocacy against violent extremism.
May all our religions of peace guide us in our quest for a brighter future for the peoples of Mindanao.
From the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
+ Romulo G. Valles
Archbishop of Davao
President, CBCP
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES
A cry for peace: Statement of solidarity to the victims of the Jolo bombing
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) deplores the bombing that took place on January 27, 2019 during a Sunday Mass at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu. These explosions claimed the lives of more than 20 worshipers, including civilians and soldiers around the area, and injuring 112 people as well. It is, one of the deadliest tragedies in recent years.
We are distressed by these dreadful attacks on people. We condole with the families of the victims and vow to support their continuing healing and their search for justice.
We deem these bombings as acts of terrorism. But they should not give credence or legitimacy to the continuing repression of human rights and intensifying militarization in the region. The heightened alert at the national level should not be an excuse to declare martial law in the country but, rather, it should unite people to be more vigilant in guarding peace, and pursuing it.
The persistent and continuing cry for peace in Mindanao calls for solidarity and immense sincerity among churches and the faithful to put their acts together in working for peace based on justice. Even more so, it amplifies the urgent call for the government to deal with peace issues and pave the way in addressing the roots of armed conflict in the area.
It is our fervent hope and prayer that peace in Mindanao may be restored. We call on all the faith communities to pray for and be in solidarity with the people in Jolo, especially the victims of the attacks, in a time of intensified conflict and repression where fundamental rights are already at the mercy of the military.
The NCCP calls for prayers of healing for those injured and fallen in this tragedy. We call and pray for a serious and impartial investigation so that justice may be attained. This incident in Sulu, Jolo is a painful reminder that just peace will never be attained without addressing the root causes of the Filipino peoples’ suffering.
“May the Lord give strength to the people! May the Lord bless the people with peace!” (Psalm 29:11)
January 29, 2019
Signed:
JUSTICE RAOUL V. VICTORINO, Ret.
Chairperson
BISHOP RODOLFO A. JUAN
Vice-Chairperson
REV. DR. Ms. SHARON ROSE JOY RUIZ-DUREMDES
Vice-Chairperson
LISSA BELLE R. BROWN
Vice-Chairperson
REYNALDO M. NATIVIDAD
Corporate Treasurer
MINNIE ANNE M. CALUB
Acting General Secretary
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BALAY MINDANAW
Balay Mindanaw Statement on the Jolo Bombing
Let Us Not Allow Evil To Triumph
The recent cruel act of violence that claimed at least 27 lives and wounded dozens of innocent people has again put to test our belief and faith in each other.
If we allow suspicion to divide us,
If we allow violence to create monsters out of us,
If we allow hatred to consume us,
Evil would have defeated us.
In the midst of the pains, sorrow, chaos and confusion caused by the evil act, let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of just and lasting peace.
Let us not allow evil to triumph!
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
We refuse to be victims. We choose to be resources for Peace!
ULAMA COUNCIL OF ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
Official Statement on Jolo Bombing
The Ulama Council of Zamboanga Peninsula condemns in the strongest term the bloody bombing of the Jolo cathedral today which claimed the lives of innocent persons and seriously injured many more.
It is by any standard, an act of terror, for which no justification whatsover under any circumstance could be advanced. Whoever perpetrated this dastardly act will face the dire consequences not only in this world but more so in the hereafter where every act would be accounted for and no one would be denied justice.
Islam views such act as a heinous crime against humanity in no uncertain terms.
The UCZP extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and sympathizes with the injured victims of that barbaric crime. It further calls on all peace loving people to pray for swift justice and for the security of our land. Let everyone do his share by being vigilant at all times and help report any crime or suspicious acts to the proper authorities.