THE Police Regional Office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has revised the death toll from the twin explosions that hit a Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu to 20.
In a statement, the ARMM police said the bombings that targeted the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo on Sunday, January 27, left "20 deaths and wounding 81 others."
Police earlier said 27 people were killed while 77 were wounded.
The military, however, reported different figures.
As of 2 p.m. Sunday, the Westmincom said 18 people were killed while 83 were wounded.
Those killed from the government side were five Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel and one Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel. The rest were civilians.
Among the wounded were 16 AFP troopers, two PCG men and 65 civilians.
The casualties were transported to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Station Hospital and Integrated Provincial Health Office-Jolo.
In a statement, the ARMM police under Chief Superintendent Graciano Mijares strongly condemned the attack which it said occurred at 8:45 a.m. Sunday.
An improvised explosive device (IED) went off inside the cathedral despite heavy security in the area. A second IED exploded at the parking lot of the church shortly after.
"These bestial and inhumane acts on to instill terrorism, fear, and conflict should stop. This utter disregard for human lives should be put to an end," Mijares said.
"We are for peace and unity. We shall ensure that the full force of the law be used to prosecute and convict these lawless and ruthless perpetrators," he added.
The police also called on the public to be vigilant and "avoid spreading false and malicious rumors that would cause greater fear and panic."
The attack took place two days after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared the ratification by the ARMM of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
The Comelec, sitting as the National Plebiscite Board of Canvassers, recorded more than 1.5 million "Yes" votes against the 198,750 “No” votes.
Sulu, however, voted "No." Based on the Certificate of Canvass of Votes, Sulu recorded 163,526 "No" votes compared to 137,630 "Yes" votes.
Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II had also questioned the constitutionality of the BOL before the Supreme Court. (MVI/SunStar Philippines)