DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/ 28 January) – The business community in Davao City condemned the twin explosions that hit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, on Sunday morning that left 20 dead and 111 others wounded while the Japanese government reiterated support for peace efforts in Mindanao.
The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. said in a statement on Monday that they endorse peace efforts to build an environment for inclusive local economy, so that the majority can “partake of the dividends and create growth.”
It added the ratification of the Bangsamoro Law, the enabling mechanism of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, can facilitate “responsible investments and sustainable development to cut poverty and build a robust economy base.”
The chamber also called on authorities to conduct an investigation and bring the suspects to justice.
“On behalf of our members and the business community of Davao City, we commiserate with the victims and call upon the authorities to implement a speedy investigation and bring perpetrators to justice,” the statement read.
The chamber called for calm and support for the restoration of order following the incident.
“(We) enjoin our fellow chambers of commerce in Mindanao to work together to enable local economic growth, which will sustain and enhance peace and development for all peoples of Mindanao,” it added.
In a separate statement, Japanese Ambassador Koji Janeda said the terroristic acts should not be tolerated.
“Japan stands with the Philippines when the Government and people of the Philippines are overcoming this difficulty in solidarity,” he said.
The ambassador offered his condolences to the victims and expressed his sympathies to all those affected.
He said these acts should not be tolerated.
He reiterated the commitment of the Japanese government to support the Philippines in achieving sustainable peace and stability in Mindanao in accordance with the ongoing political transition process under the Bangsamoro Law. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)