Deadly attack
- 27 people were killed when two explosions hit Jolo Cathedral in the Mindanao region of the Philippines at 8.28am on Sunday.
- One of the two blasts occured inside the church, while the other was detonated outside minutes laters
- Among those killed were members of the military’s 35th Infantry Battalion (IB), while others were civilians
- At least 48 others were injured
Updated at 11.27am (UAE time):
At least 27 people were killed when explosions hit Jolo Cathedral in the Mindanao region of the Philippines on Sunday.
Local police reported that two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) exploded at the Jolo Cathedral at 8:28 am. One of the explosions occured inside the Jolo Cathedral while the other one was outside the establishment.
The report said at least 19 individuals were immediately killed, including members of the military’s 35th Infantry Battalion (IB) who were responding to the first blast, while others were civilians.
At least 77 others were injured, the police report added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are securing the area and all casualties were immediately evacuated, the spokesperson said.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo is a Latin Catholic missionary.
The Mindanao region has been plagued by separatist violence for decades.
The explosion follows a Monday (January 21) referendum asking the majority-Muslim population whether they back a plan by separatists and the government to create a new self-administered region.
The majority (85%) of the 2.8 million people participating in the vote supported the referendum, but the town of Jolo rejected it.
Bombing condemned
PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde condemned the incident and has immediately called for an investigation.
“The Chief PNP has already ordered for the conduct of a thorough investigation on this incident to ensure the immediate arrest of the suspects,” said Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson.
“We extend our sympathy to the families of the victims and we will ensure that all possible assistance to the families will be given,” he said.
“We assure the bereaved family and their relatives that we will ensure that justice will be served in the soonest time possible,” he added.
Banac also appealed to the people of Sulu and other nearby towns to remain calm and vigilant.
one of the explosions occured inside the Jolo Cathedral while the other one was outside the establishment.
Albayalde said the bombs were denoted about one minute apart.
