Publications
Partners
President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, extended the country's deepest condolences to President Rodrigo Duterte and the people of the Republic of the Philippines following the unjustifiable terrorists attacks that took place on Sunday, January 27, where two bombs exploded at Jolo Cathedral in Sulu, in the southern Philippines, killing 20 people and wounding scores of others.
"The South African government wishes to express its sincere condolences to the families and friends for the loss of their loved ones and speedy recovery to the injured. During this trying time, the thoughts of South Africans are with the people and the government of the Philippines," the Presidency said in a statement.
"Terrorism in any form and from whichever quarter cannot be condoned. South Africa stands firmly with the international community in condemning all terrorism. The South African government will continue to support regional and international efforts to address the scourge of terrorism in all its forms."
READ: 19 dead as bombs target cathedral in southern Philippines
On Sunday, two bombs exploded outside a Roman Catholic cathedral on a southern Philippine island where Muslim militants are active, killing at least 19 people and wounding nearly 50 during a Sunday Mass, officials said, according to AP.
The first bomb went off in or near the Jolo cathedral in the provincial capital, followed by a second blast outside the compound as government forces were responding to the attack, security officials said.
Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde said that at least 19 people died and 48 were wounded. Police and military reports said the casualties included both troops and civilians.
Photos on social media showed debris and bodies lying on a busy street outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which has been hit by bombs in the past.
Troops in armoured carriers sealed off the main road leading to the church while vehicles were transporting the dead and wounded to the hospital. Some casualties were evacuated by air to nearby Zamboanga city.
