By two explosions in front of a Catholic Church in the troubled southern Philippines were killed during a Church service at least 27 people. A further 77 people were injured on Sunday, the police announced. The first Explosion had occurred during a mass Inside the Cathedral in the town of Jolo in the province Sulu, the second in a Parking lot in front of the house of God, as the security forces had arrived, said regional military spokesman Gerry Besana.

Jolo is located about 1000 km South of the capital, Manila. The chief of the national police, Oscar Albayalde, told the Manila radio station DZMM: “We do not know whether the death toll is still rising.” Besana said, first of all, the explosives were analyzed, and then conclusions on the perpetrators. Among the dead, according to police, 20 civilians and seven soldiers. The subject was “sure terrorism,” said an army spokesman. “These are people who do not want peace.”

Minister of defence, Delfin Lorenzana, condemned the attack and stressed that the perpetrators would be hunted. All the churches and public places would be secured, to thwart potential attacks.