MANILA - Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday condoled with the families of the 10 people who were killed in an explosion at a checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan.

Robredo, in a statement, said she also prays for the quick recovery of those wounded.

"Lubos akong nakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng nasawi sa pagsabog ng bomba sa Lamitan, Basilan kaninang umaga. Pinagdarasal ko din ang madaliang paggaling ng mga nasaktan sa naturang insidente," she said.

(I express my deepest condolences to the family of the victims who were slain in a bomb explosion in Lamitan, Basilan this morning. I also pray for the quick recovery of those injured in the incident.)

Robredo rallied Filipinos to condemn the incident and assured that authorities will quickly bring to justice those behind the attack.

"Nagtitiwala ako na mabilis ang magiging tugon ng mga awtoridad sa pangyayaring ito, at mapapanagot ang sinumang grupo ang may sala," she said.

(I believe that authorities will quickly respond to this incident and will hold the group behind the attack accountable.)

"Ang malungkot na pangyayaring ito ay lalo dapat magpalakas ng ating determinasyon na makamit ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao at sa buong bansa."

(This sad incident should strengthen our determination to achieve peace in Mindanao and the whole country.)

The military has linked the Abu Sayyaf group to the incident.

• Military links Basilan blast to Abu Sayyaf

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Edgardo Arevalo said initial reports revealed that the man driving the van that was loaded with explosives was part of the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama.

Editor's Note: The military has clarified that only 10 people died in the July 31 explosion in Basilan. We are updating our story to reflect the new figure.