Arafat Hasan of DOT
At least 21 people have been killed and 71 more injured in twin bombings that occurred during a church service in the southern Philippines yesterday, security officials said, merely days after a referendum on autonomy for the mainly Muslim region returned an overwhelming “yes” vote.
The first explosion went off inside the cathedral in Jolo, on the island province of Sulu, and was followed by a second blast in the car park outside, killing military and civilians, officials said. Seven soldiers were among the casualty.
As of writing this report on Sunday 6:00pm, there has yet been no immediate claim of responsibility, although National police chief Oscar Albayalde said it was possible that the militant Abu Sayyaf group could be involved.
The brutal attack followed Friday’s announcement that the region – a mainly Muslim part of the predominantly Catholic Philippines – had approved a plan to govern itself by 2022, boosting hopes for peace in one of Asia’s poorest and most conflict-torn regions.
Monday’s referendum saw 85% voters support the creation of an autonomous area called Bangsamoro. Although Sulu was among only a few areas that rejected autonomy, it will still be part of the new entity.
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called the bombing a “dastardly act” and urged the local population to be vigilant and work with the authorities to “deny terrorism any victory”.
“We will use the full force of the law to bring to justice the perpetrators behind this incident,” he said in a statement.
Colonel Gerry Besana, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said an examination of the bomb materials should reveal who was behind it.
Jolo is a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, which has a reputation for bombings and brutality, and for having pledged allegiance to Islamic State. The militant group is also heavily involved in piracy and kidnapping.
-Source: Reuters