A bomb blast at a church in Jolo, an island near Mindanao, killed at least 20 people and injured over a hundred. It is one of the deadliest attacks in the Southern Philippines in years.
Among the dead are five soldiers who came to the rescue after the first bomb went off inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. They were hit by a second explosion in the church’s parking lot.
Image: Inside the bombed church.
The 27 January attack came days after a majority-Muslim area in the region voted for greater autonomy in a referendum. There isn’t evidence to suggest a connection between the two.
The Islamic State claimed to be behind the attack on Jolo, where jihadist groups are active. A statement from IS said that “two knights of martyrdom” attacked a “crusader temple”.
Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana urged the local population to work with the authorities to “deny terrorism any victory”.
Please pray for our family in Christ in the Philippines.
Please Pray:
- For peace in this region of the Philippines.
- That all those affected by the bombings will trust in Jesus and be comforted.
- For Christians to continue living boldly for Christ in the face of fear.
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