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19 killed, dozens injured in twin blast targeting Catholic cathedral in the Philippines 19 killed, dozens injured in twin blast targeting Catholic cathedral in the Philippines
(35 minutes later)
At least 19 people have been killed and dozens more injured after two bombs exploded during a Sunday Mass near a Roman Catholic cathedral in the Philippine island of Mindanao.At least 19 people have been killed and dozens more injured after two bombs exploded during a Sunday Mass near a Roman Catholic cathedral in the Philippine island of Mindanao.
According to authorities the first bomb exploded inside the Jolo cathedral, while the second blast targeted first responders near the entrance, Rappler reports.  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, Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde said. According to unofficial reports, casualties included both troops and civilians.
Earlier police said at least 10 civilians and five troops are among those killed. Some 48 others were reportedly inijured, including at least 33 civilians.
No one has immediately claimed responsibility, but the island has in the past been targeted by bombings, kidnappings and beheadings perpetrated by Abu Sayyaf Islamists terrorists. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Philippines armed forces have long been fighting the Abu Sayyaf terrorists on the island of Mindanao. Sunday morning explosions seem to resemble the tactics previously used by the Islamic State-linked militant group to inflict mass casualties.
Fearing further attacks on a turbulent island, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana directed the troops to secure “all places of worships and public places.”
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