MANILA - The United States and France on Wednesday condemned the blast in Lamitan, Basilan that killed 10 people.

US Ambassador Sung Kim offered thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of yesterday’s bombing in Basilan, and to their families. We join the PH (Philippines) government in condemning this terrorist act in the strongest terms and remain committed to working with Filipinos to further the causes of peace and prosperity," he said in a tweet.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of yesterday’s bombing in Basilan, and to their families. We join the PH government in condemning this terrorist act in the strongest terms and remain committed to working with Filipinos to further the causes of peace and prosperity.

— Ambassador Sung Kim (@USAmbManila) August 1, 2018

The Embassy of France in Manila, meanwhile, expressed condolences to the families of those who perished.

"France strongly condemns the terrorist attack which took place last July 31 in Basilan, and which resulted in the death of at least 10 persons, including several civilians," it said in a statement.

"France sends its condolences to the families of the victims and expresses its sympathy to the injured, and stands alongside the local authorities and the Filipino people in the fight against terrorism."

Military spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo has said security forces were investigating the incident and there was no basis yet to conclude that it was a suicide bombing or had been carried out by a foreigner.

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Authorities are not discounting Islamic State's claim of responsibility, but it would be easy for any armed group to claim responsibility for the attack, Arevalo said.

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