APD| 17 killed, 48 wounded as twin blasts rock MT. Carmel cathedral in Jolo

By APD writer Melo M. Acuna

MANILA,Jan.27(APD ) - At least two explosions rocked the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in downtown Jolo in Sulu Province at about 8:28 A.M. Sunday while a Holy Mass was being held.

Police Sr. Supt. Bernard M. Banac, PNP spokesman said initial reports disclosed five soldiers tasked to provide security at the cathedral died with three individuals believed to be attending Catholic rites.

Reports from Fr. Romeo Saniel, OMI, Apostolic Administrator of the Vicariate of Jolo was quoted by his confrere Fr. Jonathan Domingo said six other soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion were wounded while another church-goer was wounded.

The blasts came a week after the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite where most Sulu residents were reported to have opposed the proposed measure.

Police Sr. Supt. Banac said they are still awaiting updates from the ARMM Police and Sulu Provincial Police Offices.

Colonel Noel Detoyato, Chief of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Public Affairs Office said 5 soldiers and 12 civilians were killed in the two explosions at the compound of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral. He added 48 others were reported wounded.

Among the wounded were 13 government troopers. As of this time, PNP Special Action Force’s and Philippine Army’s Explosive and Ordnance Divisions are conducting post-blast investigation the area.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)