Following the twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu on January 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent cable of condolences to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte for the attack that killed 21 people and injured more than 100 others.
The Russian president underscored that his government is ready to extend help to the Philippine government to bolster its war against terrorism in the archipelago.
RELATED NEWS: WATCH: CCTV footage shows Jolo twin bombing suspects detonating bombs
“A crime committed against civilians who had congregated for church services is shocking in its cynicism and cruelty,” Putin was quoted in a statement on his official website, adding that, “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,” he said.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the deadly attack.
Duterte was outraged by the twin blasts and immediately flew to the ground-zero on January 28.
Following the bombings, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that Duterte was both angry and disappointed over the incident.
“Of course he was so angry, for one. For another, he is so disappointed that despite the movement to tread the path towards peace and development, there are still some forces in that region who sow terror and kill and murder people,” Panelo told reporters.
Initial investigation on the bombing show that the bombs were planted in the church and not strapped onto suicide bombers, said Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega.
RELATED NEWS: WATCH: CCTV footage shows Jolo twin bombing suspects detonating bombs