Philippines vows to “crush” Jolo attackers

The Philippines has vowed to crush the militants behind twin bombings that targeted a Catholic cathedral on Jolo island, killing at least 20 people and wounding more than 100 others

Detail area

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region
Proposed by Philippines as part of peace deal with Muslim separatist rebels. Autonomy endorsed by most Muslim areas except voters in Sulu province

100km 60 miles

PHILIPPINES
MALAYSIA
Cotabato
SULU SEA
Zamboanga
Marawi
Tawi-Tawi Island
Sulu Archipelago
Mindanao 
Basilan Island
Davao
CELEBES SEA
General Santos

Jan 27, Jolo town: Blasts hit Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in Sulu provincial capital, during Sunday mass. Jolo island is stronghold of Abu Sayyaf – militant group aligned with so-called Islamic State, which claimed responsibility for attack

Hatib Sawadjaan: Abu Sayyaf commander is among main suspects, according to Philippine government. His faction is blamed for kidnappings for ransom and beheadings of hostages in recent years



Picture: Eastern Sabah Security Command   Sources: AP, Stratfor   © GRAPHIC NEWS