19 dead, 48 wounded in Jolo bombing

The scene of the bombing. (Army Recruitment Office)

At least 19 people were killed and 48 others were wounded when two suspected improvised explosive devices detonated inside and outside a church in Jolo on Sunday morning.

Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), said the explosions occurred around 8:28 a.m. at the Mount Carmel Cathedral just before the start of the Mass.

In his initial report, Besana said, five soldiers and 12 civilians were killed while 15 government troops and 42 civilians were wounded.

Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde reported the higher death count of 19 with 48 wounded with the explosions occurring during the Mass.

An investigation has been launched to determine the perpetrators of the bombing.