MANILA: Twin bombings during a church service in the southern Philippines killed at least 21 people and wounded 71, security officials said, days after a referendum on autonomy for the mainly Muslim region returned an overwhelming “yes” vote.

The first explosion went off inside the cathedral in Jolo, on the island province of Sulu, and was followed by a second blast in the car park outside, killing military personnel and civilians, officials said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

It followed Friday’s announcement that the region, a mainly Muslim part of the predominantly Catholic Philippines, had approved a plan to govern itself by 2022, boosting hopes for peace in one of Asia’s poorest and most conflict-torn regions.

Monday’s referendum saw 85 per cent of voters back the creation of an autonomous area called Bangsa­moro. Although Sulu was among only a few areas that rejected autonomy, it would still be part of the new entity.

Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called the attack a “dastardly act” and urged the local population to be vigilant and work with the authorities to “deny terrorism any victory”.

“We will use the full force of the law to bring to justice the perpetrators behind this incident,” he said in a statement.

Civilians bore the brunt of the attack, which also killed at least seven soldiers.

Colonel Gerry Besana, spokesman for the military’s Western Mindanao Com­mand, said an examination of the bomb materials should reveal who was behind it.

National police chief Oscar Albayalde said it was possible the militant Abu Sayyaf group could be involved. “They want to disturb the peace and order, they want to show force and sow chaos,” he said on radio.

Jolo is a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, which has a reputation for bombings and brutality, and for having pledged allegiance to the militant Islamic State group. It is also heavily involved in piracy and ­kidnapping.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2019