Philippines: 17 killed in church explosion

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - At least 17 people have been killed and several others injured after two bombs exploded at a church in the Philippines's southern Sulu province, local media reported on Sunday.

"We strongly condemn the bombing that transpired at the Jolo Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu at 8.15 a.m. (0015GMT) today, just before the start of the holy mass that killed and wounded soldiers and civilians," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters.

Of the 17 reported killed, five were military personnel and 12 were civilians, the Philippine News Agency said.

Forty-two civilians, 14 servicemen and one Philippine Coast Guard personnel were injured in the attack.

The Philippine army boosted their alert level to secure all places of worships and public places in the country following the deadly attack.