At Least 27 Killed in Church Explosion in the Philippines

Two deadly explosions at a church on Jolo Island in southern Philippines killed at least 27 people and injured more than 70 others. Philippine police described the attack as terrorism. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two bomb explosions at a church on Jolo Island left dozens dead and wounded. The attacks are believed to be in response to the results of a recent referendum.

German news agency reported on Sunday morning, January 27, on attacks on a church on Jolo Island in southern Philippines. A number of Christian residents on the island were praying in the church at the time of the explosions.

In its initial report, Philippine police reported at least 21 deaths and 71 injured. However, more recent reports put the death toll from the two explosions at least 27.

The first explosion occurred inside the church. According to Philippine police reports, following the explosion inside the church, another explosion occurred in a parking lot in front of the church. The second explosion occurred when Philippine security and police forces arrived at the scene.

As of the time of this report, no information had been released about the motive of those who attacked the church. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. It should be noted that Jolo Island is located about a thousand kilometers from Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Investigation Begins

Oscar Albayalde, the Philippine Police Chief, does not rule out the possibility that the death toll from the two explosions could increase. He announced the start of investigations into the two explosions. For this purpose, investigations and examinations of explosive materials used in these attacks have begun.

Moreover, it is reported that some Philippine police officers and security officials were also killed during the explosion in the parking lot in front of the church. Based on information released so far, 7 police officers are among the victims of these attacks.

Philippine police announced it will impose greater controls on churches and public centers to prevent a repeat of these attacks.

It is unclear whether the January 27 attacks on the church on Jolo Island were connected to the referendum held on Friday, January 5, in the Mindanao region. The announced results of the referendum in the Mindanao region indicated approval for establishing an autonomous Muslim region. The decision to hold this referendum and establish an autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao was part of an agreement between the government and Moro rebels in 2014.

It should be noted that Muslims make up less than 10 percent of the predominantly Christian population of the Philippines. This religious minority has repeatedly accused the Philippine government of discrimination against it.

Source: DW