Cotabato has recovered from deadly blast – PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday life in Cotabato City has gradually returned to normal following a bombing incident on New Year's Eve which left two persons dead and 34 others wounded.

Just the same, Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr., PNP spokesperson, urged residents to stay vigilant and report to authorities any suspicious activities or elements to preempt another terrorist attack.

"It's a good practice in any crisis management to go back to normal. While we can be vigilant, we should also remain watchful but calm. Let's deny the enemies of the state the luxury of causing us to cow to fear," Durana said in a television interview.

Since martial law is being implemented in Mindanao, Durana said the military has taken the lead in securing peace and order in the city.

Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Eliseo Rasco, regional director of Soccsksargen Police Regional Office, assured that the police and military were working together on the case.

With orders from PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, Rasco has immediately created "Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) South Seas" to expedite the probe on the bombing incident in front of South Seas Mall on Magallanes Street, Barangay Poblacion on December 31.

Rasco described the incident as “another senseless and cowardly attack that had sprung and broke the solemnity of the Yuletide celebration [on] the last day of the year."

He said the police was coordinating with the military in tracking down the persons behind the bombing.

Earlier, the PNP said the incident may have been carried out by Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired local terror groups in Mindanao, based on the signature of the explosive found at the blast site.