Noy to bombing culprits: We will get you

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III issued a stern warning to the perpetrators of the recent bombing incidents in Mindanao that they will be held accountable by the government.

 

In his speech during the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference on Thursday, Aquino cited the recent achievements in the Bangsamoro negotiations that aim to ensure long-lasting peace in Mindanao. However, he lamented that challenges to stability remain.

 

"To those willing to partner with us for peace, we welcome you as brothers; but to those who want to challenge the authority of the State, you will feel the full brunt, depth, and might of the State’s response. You will not get in the way of the peace and the stability that will help fulfill the potential of Mindanao," Aquino said in his speech.

 

Two fatal bombing incidents rocked Mindanao in just a span of two weeks. Last July 26, an explosive went off at a bar at the Limketkai shopping complex in Cagayan de Oro City, killing at least eight people and hurting nearly 50 others.

 

On Monday, car bomb explosion hit Cotabato City and killed eight individuals and injured at least 30 more.

 

Aquino said such incidents affect the entire country and that the nation is one with the families of the victims. 

 

The President claimed that the bombing incidents are "a desperate act by a small sector dead set against the attainment of peace in Mindanao."

 

He said the government has been working to neutralize these elements and a "few successes" have been attained.

 

In a televised briefing after his speech, Aquino said the government is looking at three separate groups which may have joined ranks to disrupt peace process in Mindanao.

 

"Basically may mga groups na nagsama-sama. Itong tatlong grupo ang aming tinitignan na noon ay may pagka-loose 'yung kanilang samahan pero tila ngayon lalong nagsama-sama o nagjoin na ng serious effor dahil may pagka-desperado na nga para mahadlangan iyong ating proseso ng pagkakaroon ng kapayapaan dito sa Mindanao," Aquino said.

He said rewards would be given to those who would provide information leading to the arrest of the suspects in all the bombing incidents.

Aquino declined to give further details on the operations to capture the suspects as he noted that authorities are still conducting a deeper investigation into the security situation in the south.