19 killed, dozens injured in twin blast targeting Catholic cathedral in the Philippines

The first blast that took place outside Jolo cathedral was followed by a second explosion just after emergency services arrived at the scene to treat the wounded, security officials told AP. At least 19 people were killed and 48 others wounded in dual explosions, National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said. According to unofficial reports, casualties included both troops and civilians.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Philippines armed forces have long been fighting Abu Sayyaf terrorists on the island of Mindanao. The Sunday morning explosions seem to resemble tactics previously used by the Islamic State-linked (IS, formerly ISIS) militant group to inflict mass casualties.

Fearing further attacks on a turbulent island, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana directed troops to secure “all places of worships and public places.”

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