MALACAÑANG and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Sunday, January 27, strongly condemned the twin explosions that killed more than a dozen people and wounded 77 others in Jolo, Sulu.

Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) went off inside and outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel one after the other just before a Mass was to be celebrated in the church and despite the heavy security in the area.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in a statement, said authorities are investigating the brazen attack and were still trying the identify the group behind it as of Sunday afternoon.

"By their act of terrorism and murder of soldiers and civilians, the enemies of the state have boldly challenged the capability of the government to secure the safety of the citizenry in that region. The Armed Forces of the Philippines will rise to the challenge and crush these godless criminals," Panelo said.

"We will pursue to the ends of the earth the ruthless perpetrators behind this dastardly crime until every killer is brought to justice and put behind bars. The law will give them no mercy," he added.