Basilan tightens security for motorcycles to curb bombings

A day after a series of attacks claimed at least 11 lives there Tuesday, authorities in Basilan clamped down on motorcycles to prevent a repeat of the deadly incident. Radio dzXL reported Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Akbar ordered tight inspections on motorcycles entering the city, to ensure that no explosives are brought in. She noted a motorcycle and a van had been used in Tuesday’s bomb attack. This developed as residents of Isabela City mourned their dead after deadly bomb attacks and clashes between soldiers and suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits. Isabela Bishop Martin Jumoad presided over a memorial Mass in honor of government troops and civilians who died Tuesday. Jumoad, in a pastoral statement, said the church is “saddened" by the incidents which also caused havoc in the Sta. Isabel Cathedral. “We condemn this ruthless act against the innocent civilians and institutions," he said in his statement, excerpts of which were posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news site. He said he believes the attack was part of a well-orchestrated attack “to sow fear in the minds and hearts" of local residents. Jumoad stressed the people cannot allow this to happen and overtake the gains of peace. He said he and the Catholic Church in Basilan condole with the families of the innocent civilians and military men who lost their loved ones as the continue to “condemn this act of terrorism." Also, he said they continue to appeal for peace as he called on local residents to stay calm and turn to prayer. “To the perpetrators, we know well that we are all brothers and sisters with one Almighty whom we call in different names," he said as he underscored “many lives and properties were lost and destroyed." On the other hand, he asked the perpetrators if they felt any remorse. “Do you not feel the cry of the children who are orphaned because of your inhuman act?" he said. Jumoad also called on the candidates for the coming elections to ask their respective followers to remain calm and not to resort to violence. He appealed to men and women in uniform to continue their vigilance and prompt response to protect the lives and properties of peace-loving residents. “When everything is done and our human efforts seem futile, we turn to God and say: ‘Into your hands Lord I commend my Spirit,’" he said. Meanwhile, Jumoad also lamented the severe damage to the Cathedral of St. Isabel at the heart of the city. He said he considers the cathedral “totally damaged" as its posts have been weakened by the blasts. “I am very, very sad the House of the Lord has been destroyed," the 53-year old prelate said, adding he does not know how to reconstruct the cathedral built in 1970. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV