REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia has condemned the terrorist attack at a cathedral in Jolo Islands, the Philippines, on Sunday (Jan 27). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia also extends deepest condolences to the Government of the Philippines and families of the victims.
"We wish a speedy recovery for the wounded," the ministry wrote on its Twitter account @Kemlu_RI posted on Monday.
Two explosions tore through a Roman Catholic cathedral on a southern Philippine island, killing at least 20 people and wounding 111 others during a Sunday Mass, officials stated.
The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for a twin bomb attack on the parking lot just outside the compound of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, The Straits Times reported.
In response to the Jolo bombing, AFP Central Command -- the military area command for the Visayas -- is undertaking measures to prevent any form of terror attacks in the region.
The incident has raised concerns among members of the international community, including from Pope Francis. The Pope has invited people to offer prayers for the victims.
"May the Lord, Prince of Peace, convert the hearts of the violent, and grant the inhabitants of that region a peaceful coexistence," Pope Francis said through his account @Pontifex.