Philippines Vows to Destroy Terrorists behind Church bombing
Philippines announced to destroy those behind twin bombings that killed 20 people during a Sunday church service, according to reports.
Philippines announced to destroy those behind twin bombings that killed 20 people during a Sunday church service, according to reports.
The bombing comes six days after a referendum on autonomy for the mainly Muslim region returned an overwhelming “yes” vote.
According to Reuters, the attack wounded 81 and was one of the deadliest in recent years in a region long plagued by instability. It came amid hope and excitement about the ratification of a devolution plan that aims to bring development, jobs and peace to one of Asia’s poorest and most volatile places.
The first explosion went off inside the cathedral on Jolo island, in Sulu province, and was followed by a second blast outside, which was detonated as security forces raced to the scene, officials said.
“The enemies of the state have boldly challenged the capability of the government to secure the safety of the citizenry in that region,” said Salvador Panelo, spokesman of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The armed forces of the Philippines will rise to the challenge and crush these godless criminals,” he added.
