By Argyll Cyrus Geducos Malacañang vowed to hunt down those behind the recent attacks in Cotabato in Maguindanao which left scores wounded, including soldiers who were conducting patrols. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement after a grenade exploded near the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Cotabato City Sunday evening. "We condemn in the strongest possible terms last night's grenade attacks and explosion incidents in Cotabato and Maguindanao," Panelo said in a statement Monday. READ MORE: At least 23 hurt in series of explosions in Mindanao, 5 wounded in Cotabato explosion "While casualties are now undergoing treatment, clearing operations have been made and authorities are now investigating the matter," he added. According to reports, at least 12 were wounded in the grenade blast, including eight soldiers who were patrolling in the area. An improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated a few minutes later, slightly wounding a passerby. Reports added that six others were wounded in two blasts in Libungan, Cotabato; while two others were hurt in another blast in Upi, Maguindanao. Panelo assured the public that the Palace will not allow hatred and violence to reign but reminded the public to stay alert following the attacks. "Any attempt to sow fear, hatred, and violence is doomed to fail. We will pursue the perpetrators and will harness all our might to crush all evil forces or enemies of the state, as well as their supporters," he said. "We call on everyone to stay and remain vigilant and report suspicious personalities and unattended items," he added. Meanwhile, Panelo said in his Monday press briefing that this will not stop President Duterte from attending an event in Cotabato also Monday. He added that the President will visit one of the areas where the explosion happened. "He will distribute land certificates then visit the venues where the bombing took place," he said. The Palace official, meanwhile, doubted that the attacks were connected to Duterte's visit. "Hindi naman nila alam na pupunta si Presidente dun eh, in the first place. Baka tingin ko parang more on the reaction sa BARMM (The did not know that the President was going to visit there in the first place. I think it's more of their reaction to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao)," Panelo suggested. "'Di ba may dating grupo tapos mawawalan ng mga trabaho yung mga (If I'm right, a lot of people will be losing jobs because they are part of the) previous entity that will be replaced by BARMM. Baka kasama yun (Maybe that's one of the reasons), we don’t know," he added. The explosion took place just before Malacañang announced that Duterte approved the recommended 15-day nationwide unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire with the communist rebels. READ MORE: Duterte, Reds declare 15-day ceasefire, Duterte to decide on ceasefire with NPA on Monday