Duterte visits Jolo after twin blasts

President Rodrigo Duterte visited Jolo, Sulu, a few days after twin blasts rocked the provincial capital, to express condolences to some victims and confer with the mayor.

During his visit, Duterte offered flowers in honor of the slain soldiers and kissed the ground where the explosion happened.

He expressed admiration for the troops' sacrifice and patriotism, vowing to support the military in its fight against terrorism.

Duterte also urged the troops to "think about peace" and expressed frustration that his remaining two years in office would not be enough time to address the security threat.

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go confirmed he would accompany the President on this visit.

The bombings, which occurred on August 24, resulted in the deaths of 14 soldiers, civilians, and a policeman, with 75 others wounded.

Senator Go stated that declaring martial law in Jolo or Sulu is unnecessary due to the existing Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.