MANILA, Aug. 8 -- Malacanang made an assurance on Wednesday that it is doing everything to protect the people of Mindanao in the midst of bomb attacks in the south recently.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that security forces have intensified intelligence gatherings and have been thoroughly investigating the bombing incidents in Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City and recently, in Midsayap, North Cotabato.
“We assure the public that we are looking into all these situations,” Lacierda told reporters.
The government is well aware of the incidents and he assured the public that government will intensify all its efforts to identify the perpetrators.
Asked if there’s a need to deploy additional troops in Mindanao, Lacierda said it’s up to the armed forces to decide whether augmentation is needed to fend off attacks.
But the Palace official said there are several commands in Mindanao and sending more troops may be unnecessary at this time. The primary focus of the police and the military is intelligence gathering, he said.
The investigation for the attacks in Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City and North Cotabato are currently ongoing and the government expects results soon, he said.
“They are all going to be investigated. The Cagayan de Oro blast is being investigated right now. This morning’s bombing in Midsayap and also in Shariff Aguak will also be investigated. We’re asking for updates from the PNP and AFP,” Lacierda said.
The President said Tuesday that he was to meet the Cabinet security cluster to discuss the spate of bombing in Mindanao. Lacierda said he has no information on the result of the President’s meeting with the security cluster.
The Senate is currently investigating the Mindanao bombings. (PND/as)