Graphic shows location of attack and Muslim minority areas.
GN38752EN

PHILIPPINES

Bombs target Jolo cathedral in southern Philippines

By Mike Tyler

January 28, 2019 - The Philippines has vowed to crush the militants behind twin bombings that struck during Sunday mass at a Catholic cathedral in Jolo, killing at least 20 people and wounding more than 100 others.

The attack occurred in the Sulu provincial capital on Jolo island, where Abu Sayyaf militants have carried out years of bombings, kidnappings and beheadings and have aligned themselves with the so-called Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for the attack.

The bombings came nearly a week after minority Muslims in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation endorsed a new autonomous region in the southern Philippines in hopes of ending nearly five decades of a separatist rebellion that has left 150,000 people dead.

Although most Muslim areas approved the autonomy deal, voters in Sulu province rejected it. The province is home to a rival rebel faction that is opposed to the deal as well as smaller militant cells that are not part of any peace process.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 28/01/2019; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Other
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