MANILA (UCAN): The extremist jihadist group, Abu Sayyaf, claimed responsibility for twin suicide bombings near Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in the southern Philippine city of Jolo, Sulu province, on August 24 killing at least 15 people and injured dozens of others.
The province is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf. More than 20 people were killed when the group bombed the cathedral in January 2019 (Sunday Examiner, 10 February 2019).
Bishop Charlie Inzon of the Vicariate Apostolic of Jolo, said he received news of the attack with “deep grief and sorrow.”
The bishop lamented, “We have lost brothers, sisters and friends, and we are in deep grief and sorrow. We are one with their families in this difficult time, for they were also a family to us.”
He said, “They have died as martyrs witnessing to their Christian faith as they braved to stay in Jolo despite constant intimidation and risks.”
Bishop Inzon condemned the attack, saying it was “treacherous, inhuman and an evil act of violence.”
“Such a barbaric deed has no place in a civilised society where the sacredness of life and human dignity is respected,” he added.
Police confirmed that the suicide bombers were the wives of two dead terrorists: Norman Lasuca, the first-ever suicide bomber in the Philippines, and Talha Abu Talha, an Islamic State bomb expert.
It was initially thought the first bomb had been hidden in a motorcycle.
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“There were two bombers. A suicide bomber was involved in the first explosion. The second suicide bomber blew herself up after she was arrested after the first explosion,” military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, said.
Among the casualties were seven soldiers, six civilians and a policeman, while almost 80 others were wounded.
Bishop Inzon called on authorities to bring immediate justice to the victims and their families.
The Philippine office of the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), condemned the “inhumanity” of the bombers, saying there was no justification for such violence.
“Those responsible for these atrocities are cruel and ruthless, devoid of any ounce of humanity or respect for life and property,” ACN said in a statement.
“This crime is even rendered more unconscionable because of the hardships our people are going through during the Covid-19 pandemic,” the statement said.
