Al Qaida-linked rebels blamed for twin bombings in Philippines

Zamboanga City: Al Qaida-linked Muslim militants may be behind the bombing of a church and a coffee house in the Philippine's Zamboanga City, officials said on Monday.

No one was hurt in the attacks on Sunday, but city police director Jonathan Perez said the bombs used were similar to those used in previous attacks by Abu Sayyaf rebels.

"There has been a threat in our area and the Abu Sayyaf rebels are the ones who could be behind it," he said.

The first blast occurred at the Metropolitan Immaculate Cathedral compound before the first Sunday mass. Ten minutes later, there was another blast in front of a coffee house.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat has announced a reward to anyone who could provide information leading to the suspects' arrests.