WHAT WENT BEFORE: Violence in Jolo

In June 2006, a grenade exploded inside the compound of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu province, slightly damaging the Vicariate Social Development Foundation building.

A month later, a grenade was thrown into the compound and the explosion wounded one person. Police said the grenade was lobbed by one of two men riding tandem on a motorcycle and landed on a pile of bamboo at the parking area located 10 meters from the cathedral.

In July 2009, a bomb exploded 50 meters from the cathedral. A man and a woman, both in their 60s, were killed and 27 others were wounded. Four jeepneys passing by the cathedral were damaged.

In December 2009, a man suspected of being an Abu Sayyaf bandit threw a grenade into the cathedral’s compound. A soldier detailed to the cathedral security was slightly wounded.

In January 2010, a grenade was thrown into the compound shortly before the start of Sunday morning services. No one was hurt in the 5:40 a.m. blast but the explosion shattered some glass windows of the cathedral.

In May 2010, a grenade was thrown at the cathedral but it landed outside the compound. Authorities said the blast caused no injuries to anyone.

In August 2013, two people were slightly wounded when a grenade exploded in front of the cathedral. —Inquirer Research

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