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January 27, 2019
Moro National Liberation Front
Around 8 a.m. today, the 27th of January, two powerful bombs exploded at the Cathedral of Jolo, Sulu, killing 27 people and injuring 111 others, said a reliable source in Jolo as of 6 p.m. tonight. 20 of those killed were civilians while 7 were members of the military security detail assigned to the area during the Sunday mass at the Cathedral.
The twin bombings were most tragic as they claimed big number of casualties which had never been experienced in Jolo town before or in any part of the island province.
As relevant authorities are vigorously moving to find out the identity of the perpetrators of the dastardly and cowardly act to bring them to justice, it is a known fact that the hinterlands of Sulu since 1990 have been home to terrorist and lawless elements that are used to kidnapping-for-ransom and terrorism activities through the years.
The MNLF condemns under the strongest term the bombings for the great loss of innocent lives and for causing pain and suffering to the big number of the injured. The incident is most unfortunate and could only be the responsibility of terrorist, anti-peace, uncivilized and misguided persons.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and loved ones of the slain victims and hope that the injured would be able to recover soonest possible.
Yusoph H. Jikiri Chairman, MNLF