Apostolic Nuncio may postpone Zamboanga trip due to bomb attack

MANILA, Philippines – Concerned for his security after last night's bomb attack, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines might postpone his trip to Zamboanga today for the installation of a first bishop of Ipil, a Church official said.

In a radio interview with Church-run Radio Veritas, Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Valles said Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams may not push through with his trip to attend the event due to the bomb attack last night at the Zamboanga International Airport.

"There is a big celebration in Ipil. Ipil will be elevated to the status of Diocese that would be the celebration in Ipil. And the bishop will be installed as the first bishop of Ipil and the apostolic nuncio is coming to grace the occasion," Valles said.

However, due to the bombing incident, which had left two dead and scores of others hurt, Valles said Adams might no longer go to Zamboanga.

Bishop Julius Tonel will be installed as the first head of the diocese of Ipil today, according to Valles.

"We condemned the attack, its very sad. A lot of bishops are coming, we don’t know yet if they will push through with the trip. It's very, very sad," Valles said.

- By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)