2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings

The bombings took place a week after the first part of an autonomous plebiscite held on January 21 to create the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR). This region will include all of Sulu Province, including the capital city of Jolo. Jolo is known to be a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG), an affiliate of the Islamic State terror organization, comprising activists from various clans or family-based factions operating under different commanders in the Sulu Archipelago: the group lacks a central command.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20090508-jolo-stronghold-islamist-group-abu-sayyaf-|title=Jolo, stronghold of Islamist group Abu Sayyaf|publisher=France24|date=May 8, 2009|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128072811/https://www.france24.com/en/20090508-jolo-stronghold-islamist-group-abu-sayyaf-|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-security-explainer/explainer-who-is-behind-the-philippine-church-bombings-idUSKCN1PM0H2|title=Explainer: Who is behind the Philippine church bombings?|author1=Martin Petty|author2=Karen Lema|author3=Robert Birsel|publisher=Reuters|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128140649/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-security-explainer/explainer-who-is-behind-the-philippine-church-bombings-idUSKCN1PM0H2|url-status=live}} Sulu was the only province to vote against the Plebiscite, by a margin of 163,526 (54.3%) to 137,630 (45.7%).{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/221802-plebiscite-results-sulu-votes-against-bangsamoro-law|title=Sulu rejects Bangsamoro law|author=Sofia Tomacruz|publisher=Rappler|date=January 24, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|quote=Despite already being a part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Sulu has voted not to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). But the province will still be part of the new Bangsamoro region.|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128141536/https://www.rappler.com/nation/221802-plebiscite-results-sulu-votes-against-bangsamoro-law|url-status=live}} Despite the results, Sulu Province would still be included in the BAR due to the high majority from other areas.

The proposed Bangsamoro government planned to conduct crackdowns on firearms and local private armies and decommission their weapons once the new autonomous region is established.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/222105-crackdown-firearms-private-armies-priority-bangsamoro-government|title=Crackdown on firearms, private armies a priority for Bangsamoro gov't – Murad|author=Pia Ranada|publisher=Rappler|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128111547/https://www.rappler.com/nation/222105-crackdown-firearms-private-armies-priority-bangsamoro-government|url-status=live}} The Philippine National Police (PNP) believed the attacks were carried out by ASG members in revenge for the deaths of their relatives during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) military operations against the group. Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said poverty was also a contributing factor to the bombings as part of the long-time violence in the Mindanao region.{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/683235/terror-acts-in-mindanao-brought-about-by-poverty-arroyo/story/|title=Terror acts in Mindanao brought about by poverty — Arroyo|author=Llanesca T. Panti|publisher=GMA News|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920151916/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/683235/terror-acts-in-mindanao-brought-about-by-poverty-arroyo/story/|url-status=live}}

The Abu Sayyaf Group, or ASG, are known active kidnappers targeting foreigners in the waters of Sulu and Celebes Sea. Abdullah Sandakan, a former Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militant based in the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah in Borneo island, named the ASG as "using ransom money that had earlier been paid to the ASG for the release of an Indonesian hostage in their recent kidnapping as a fund for the bombings plot".{{cite web|url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/ransom-funds-01292019173713.html|title=Ransom for Indonesian's Release Funded Philippine Church Attack, Sources Allege|author=Amy Chew|publisher=Benar News|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130191620/https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/ransom-funds-01292019173713.html|url-status=live}} Citing an unnamed Mindanao-based source, it was alleged a "huge sum" was paid by the Malaysian owner of the captive's fishing boat to secure the safe release of two Indonesian fishing boat workers that had been held hostage by the ASG (one had escaped his captors) abducted off Gaya Island off Semporna. Abdullah further alleged part of the ransom money was used by the ASG to pay villagers to shelter the bombing perpetrators.{{cite web|url=http://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/well-planned-ransom-for-indonesians-release-funded-jolo-blasts-report|title=Ransom for Indonesian's release 'funded' Jolo blasts – report|publisher=News5|date=February 1, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202095200/http://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/well-planned-ransom-for-indonesians-release-funded-jolo-blasts-report|url-status=live}}

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (AFP WestMinCom) released closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the bombing with the following timeline:

Timeline of the bombings (January 27):

• 8:26 – People are shown going about Sunday errands.
• 8:28 – First improvised explosive device (IED) exploded inside the cathedral.
• 8:30 – From a different angle, people are seen walking towards the cathedral and running away as a second explosion rips through the Cathedral's parking area as troops from the 35th Infantry Battalion responded.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2019/jan/27/philippines-bombs-at-cathedral-during-mass-kill-20-people-video|title=Philippines: bombs at cathedral during mass kill 20 people – video|work=Associated Press/Reuters|publisher=The Guardian|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128195518/https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2019/jan/27/philippines-bombs-at-cathedral-during-mass-kill-20-people-video|url-status=live}}

{{align|right|All times are UTC (UTC+8).}}

WestMinCom stated that the second IED was placed inside the utility box of a motorcycle parked outside the cathedral.{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-01/27/c_137779207.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128135623/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-01/27/c_137779207.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 28, 2019|title=20 dead, 111 wounded in church twin blasts in southern Philippines|author=Shi Yinglun|publisher=Xinhua News Agency|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 27, 2019}} Wounded individuals were immediately brought to the Integrated Provincial Health Office and Sulu Sanitarium for medical treatment.{{cite web|url=https://dromic.dswd.gov.ph/bombing-incident-in-cathedral-of-our-lady-of-mount-carmel-jolo-sulu-27-jan-2019/|title=DSWD DROMIC Report #1 on the Bombing Incident in Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Jolo, Sulu|publisher=Department of Social Welfare and Development – Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center, Philippines|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418164605/https://dromic.dswd.gov.ph/bombing-incident-in-cathedral-of-our-lady-of-mount-carmel-jolo-sulu-27-jan-2019/|url-status=live}}

According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the perpetrators used a strategy similar to the 2002 Bali bombings to inflict additional casualties among first responders. The explosive devices were estimated to weigh not less than two kilograms; with a mobile phone suspected to have been used as a triggering device (recovered near the site). Based on a post-explosion investigation as confirmed by DILG, the explosive devices used were ammonium nitrate pipe bombs.

The Islamic State (IS) took responsibility for the bombings, which they said were committed by "two knights of martyrdom" against a "crusader temple".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47018747|title=Jolo church attack: Many killed in Philippines|work=BBC News|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513032305/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47018747|url-status=live}} Philippine military and peace advocates blamed the ASG's Ajang-Ajang faction, citing evidence from military intelligence operatives stating that they had intercepted ASG plans to bomb other parts of downtown Jolo months before.{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078065/abu-sayyaf-bomb-plot-uncovered-months-ago-peace-advocate|title=Abu Sayyaf bomb plot uncovered 'months ago' – peace advocate|author1=Bong Sarmiento|author2=Edwin Fernandez|author3=Julie Alipala|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128135221/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078065/abu-sayyaf-bomb-plot-uncovered-months-ago-peace-advocate|url-status=live}} Kamah, a brother of a slain ASG leader, has been tagged as the prime suspect in the bombings.{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/31/alias-kamah-jolo-sulu-blast.html|title=LOOK: The face of prime suspect in Jolo blast|publisher=CNN Philippines|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202102345/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/31/alias-kamah-jolo-sulu-blast.html|url-status=dead}} A sub-leader of the ASG named Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan has been named another prime suspect in connection with the bombings plot as their faction too has connections to IS.{{cite web|url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060714|title=ASG hand strongly eyed in Jolo blasts: Lorenzana|author=Priam Nepomuceno|work=Philippine News Agency|date=February 1, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202154123/http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060714|url-status=live}}

On February 1, Philippine Interior Secretary Eduardo Año stated that two Indonesian suicide bombers were involved in the attacks, and were aided by local Abu Sayyaf who acted as guides.{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/02/01/jolo-blast-suicide-bombers-ano.html|title=Indonesian suicide bombers behind Jolo blasts – Año|author=Eimor P. Santos|publisher=CNN Philippines|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202095220/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/02/01/jolo-blast-suicide-bombers-ano.html|url-status=dead}} The bombers were mistaken for Malaysians; one of them, identified by nom de guerre as Abu Huda,{{cite web|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3631076|title=Philippine troops battle Muslim militants after church blast|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Taiwan News|date=February 3, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2019|quote=The Indonesian man reportedly used the nom de guerre Abu Huda and Philippine authorities said they would coordinate with their Indonesian counterparts to try to validate the identities of the two.|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122511/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3631076|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/main-suspect-of-philippine-church-bombing-surrenders-to-authorities|title=Main suspect of Philippine church bombing surrenders to authorities|author=Raul Dancel|publisher=The Straits Times|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122411/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/main-suspect-of-philippine-church-bombing-surrenders-to-authorities|url-status=live}} had been living in Sulu province for some time. The second bomber was alleged to be Abu Huda's wife, who had arrived in the province a few days prior to the bombings. The woman is believed to have been the first bomber inside the cathedral, while her husband carried out the second blast at the entrance.{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1445626/world|title=Philippines: Indonesians carried out Jolo cathedral suicide attack|author=Ellie Aben|publisher=Arab News|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202045021/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1445626/world|url-status=live}} PNP chief Oscar Albayalde explained that the Indonesian bombers sailed Southwest to Jolo from Lampinigan Island (Basilan Province) on January 24 and stayed there for a few days. However, it could not be ascertained whether the two went to the island straight from Indonesia or had been around Mindanao island far longer.

On February 4, the main suspect Kamah together with his four accomplices finally surrendered to the authorities following heavy military operations.{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/02/04/jolo-suspect-kamah-surrender.html|title=Jolo blasts prime suspect 'Kamah,' 4 others surrender|author=Janine Peralta|publisher=CNN Philippines|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122351/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/02/04/jolo-suspect-kamah-surrender.html|url-status=dead}} The four other accomplices were identified as: Albaji Kisae Gadjali (alias "Awag"), Rajan Bakil Gadjali (alias "Radjan"), Kaisar Bakil Gadjali (alias "Isal") and Salit Alih (alias "Papong").{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/222635-alias-kamah-jolo-cathedral-bombing-suspect-surrenders-february-2019|title='Main suspect' in Jolo Cathedral bombing surrenders|author=Rambo Talabong|publisher=Rappler|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204062238/https://www.rappler.com/nation/222635-alias-kamah-jolo-cathedral-bombing-suspect-surrenders-february-2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/683769/how-suspects-planned-jolo-twin-blasts/story/|title=How suspects planned Jolo twin blasts|author=Anna Felicia Bajo|publisher=GMA News|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015706/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/683769/how-suspects-planned-jolo-twin-blasts/story/|url-status=live}} The PNP have filed murder charges on 5 of the suspects and 14 other suspects who remain at large (as of November 2019).{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1081333/pnp-files-murder-charges-vs-abu-sayyaf-suspects-in-jolo-blasts|title=PNP files murder charges vs Abu Sayyaf suspects in Jolo blasts|author=Cathrine Gonzales|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207021759/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1081333/pnp-files-murder-charges-vs-abu-sayyaf-suspects-in-jolo-blasts|url-status=live}}

The Philippine Interior Secretary.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/02/07/1891615/dilg-chief-eduardo-ao-jolo-bombing-case-closed|title=DILG Chief Eduardo Año on Jolo bombing: 'Case closed'|author1=Paolo Romero|author2=Edu Punay|date=February 7, 2019|publisher=The Philippine Star|access-date=February 7, 2019|author3=Roel Pareño|author4=Emmanuel Tupas|archive-date=February 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124606/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/02/07/1891615/dilg-chief-eduardo-ao-jolo-bombing-case-closed|url-status=live}} considers the suspect identification process as complete with the arrest of the five suspects and three others including the two dead bombers, although several others remain at large. The prime suspect Kamah denies all charges and any involvement in the bombings. The prosecution holds that eyewitness accounts form an adequate basis for indictment for Kamah and the other defendants.

In July 2019, the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) confirmed Indonesian citizens involvement in the bombing.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20190723133257-12-414670/polri-identifikasi-dua-wni-pelaku-bom-bunuh-diri-di-filipina?|title=Polri Identifikasi Dua WNI Pelaku Bom Bunuh Diri di Filipina|trans-title=POLRI Identify Two Indonesian Citizens as Suicide Bombers in the Philippines|language=id|publisher=CNN Indonesia|date=July 23, 2019|access-date=July 26, 2019|archive-date=July 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723093121/https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20190723133257-12-414670/polri-identifikasi-dua-wni-pelaku-bom-bunuh-diri-di-filipina|url-status=live}} POLRI announced the couple identified as Rullie Rian Zeke (RRZ) and Ulfah Handayani Saleh (UHS) from Makassar, South Sulawesi. The announcement came after the POLRI arrested and interrogated two suspected militants affiliated to Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD)- a group in Indonesia with links to ISIL- who confirmed the deceased couple RRZ and UHS were also JAD members. In May 2019, intelligence by Malaysian Special Branch uncovered RRZ and UHS were earlier helped by two Indonesian militants with links to ISIL working as labourers in Keningau District of Sabah in Malaysia with intentions to travel to the southern Philippines via confession of two suspects arrested by Royal Malaysian Police early in May. A subsequent POLRI arrest and thorough investigation of another group of Indonesian militants in Padang of West Sumatra in June 2019, confirmed the identity of RRZ and UHS.

Through deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test by Indonesian police, the deceased couple family were able to be traced as both being Indonesian deportees from Turkey serving under the direction of an East Kalimantan JAD member named Yoga residing in Malaysia and recently arrested by the Royal Malaysian Police in Sabah.{{cite web|url=https://www.beritasatu.com/nasional/566338/tes-dna-polri-temukan-keluarga-terduga-pengebom-gereja-filipina|title=Tes DNA, Polri Temukan Keluarga Terduga Pengebom Gereja Filipina|trans-title=DNA Test, Polri Found Philippines Church Bombing Suspects Family|author=Farouk Arnaz|language=id|publisher=BeritaSatu|date=July 25, 2019|access-date=August 23, 2019|archive-date=August 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823124446/https://www.beritasatu.com/nasional/566338/tes-dna-polri-temukan-keluarga-terduga-pengebom-gereja-filipina|url-status=live}} Yoga are the current connectors of Islamist terrorists organization between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines replacing Andi Basso who is being actively hunted for his involvement in the 2016 Samarinda church bombing in East Kalimantan. Andi Basso is believed by Indonesian authorities to be currently hiding in the Southern Philippines.

CCTV footage of the area depicts a person identified as Kamah, wearing a blue-green jacket and holding a mobile phone.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/29/19/caught-on-cctv-abu-leaders-brother-triggered-jolo-church-bombs|title=CAUGHT ON CCTV: Abu leader's brother may have triggered Jolo church bombs|author=Maan Macapagal|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=June 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613172609/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/29/19/caught-on-cctv-abu-leaders-brother-triggered-jolo-church-bombs|url-status=live}} Kamah, brother of deceased ASG leader Surakah Ingog, is seen wandering around the cathedral with several other suspects before the explosion.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/222176-videos-outside-jolo-cathedral-during-january-27-2019|title=WATCH: Outside Jolo Cathedral during the bombing|author=Rambo Talabong|publisher=Rappler|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724021128/https://www.rappler.com/nation/222176-videos-outside-jolo-cathedral-during-january-27-2019/|url-status=live}} Kamah is a known bomb maker for the ASG, according to investigation reports released by PNP chief Albayalde.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/28/19/abu-leaders-brother-among-suspects-in-jolo-church-blast|title=Abu leader's brother among suspects in Jolo church blast|author=Raffy Santos|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129005832/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/28/19/abu-leaders-brother-among-suspects-in-jolo-church-blast|url-status=live}} The Philippine Army had released the images of four suspects in connection with the attacks as captured by the CCTV footage.{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078639/army-releases-pictures-of-teen-suspects-in-jolo-bombing|title=Army releases pictures of teen suspects in Jolo bombing|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107234121/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078639/army-releases-pictures-of-teen-suspects-in-jolo-bombing|url-status=live}} The authorities, including the country's president, did not rule out the possibility that the explosion was the work of suicide bombers.{{cite web|url=https://www.bworldonline.com/suicide-bombing-angle-seen-in-jolo-blast/|title=Suicide bombing angle seen in Jolo blast|author1=Vann Marlo M. Villegas|author2=Arjay L. Balinbin|author3=Vince Angelo C. Ferreras|agency=Reuters|publisher=Business World Online|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=September 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917011936/https://www.bworldonline.com/suicide-bombing-angle-seen-in-jolo-blast/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2019/01/29/suicide-bomber-among-philippines-blast-suspects-says-duterte/1717752|title='Suicide bomber' among Philippines blast suspects, says Duterte|work=Agence France-Presse|publisher=The Malay Mail|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917161717/https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2019/01/29/suicide-bomber-among-philippines-blast-suspects-says-duterte/1717752|url-status=live}} Nevertheless, based on statements to the military by two surviving victims, eyewitnesses saw a woman hiding a bomb inside her bag and left it in one of the pews inside the cathedral where the explosion happened afterwards. Both witnesses, however, could not fully describe the woman's physical features.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/29/19/no-suicide-bomber-woman-left-bomb-inside-jolo-church-military|title='No suicide bomber': Woman left bomb inside Jolo church- military|author=Ron Gagalac|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625051436/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/29/19/no-suicide-bomber-woman-left-bomb-inside-jolo-church-military|url-status=live}}

On January 30, two of the suspects that were earlier identified through the CCTV footage surrendered to police to clear their names; one of them was the suspect identified as the brother of deceased ASG leader.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/30/19/2-suspects-in-jolo-blast-surrender-want-to-clear-name|title=2 suspects in Jolo blast surrender, want to clear name|author=Maan Macapagal|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917144925/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/30/19/2-suspects-in-jolo-blast-surrender-want-to-clear-name|url-status=live}} Another two followed suit, fearing the authorities would hunt them down, despite neither being identified by WestMinCom in the video that had been released.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/222313-jolo-bombing-grade-11-student-tagged-abu-sayyaf-leader-brother|title=Jolo bombing: Grade 11 student tagged as Abu Sayyaf leader's brother|author=Rambo Talabong|publisher=Rappler|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724024401/https://www.rappler.com/nation/222313-jolo-bombing-grade-11-student-tagged-abu-sayyaf-leader-brother/|url-status=live}} These four have been cleared and released although their claims of innocence will still require verification from the PNP, who admit they misidentified one man as Kamah.{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/31/persons-of-interest-jolo-bombing.html|title=4 persons of interest in Jolo blast 'cleared', but still being probed|author1=Xave Gregorio|author2=David Santos|author3=Eimor Santos|publisher=CNN Philippines|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|quote=Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde told CNN Philippines in a chance interview that while the four have been "cleared," they would still be profiled and their claims validated before they are completely delisted as persons of interest as they "do not want to make a mistake". Albayalde admits that the police made a mistake in identifying the men as suspects in the cathedral blast.|archive-date=January 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131145529/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/31/persons-of-interest-jolo-bombing.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://ptvnews.ph/4-men-on-cctv-footage-of-jolo-blast-innocent-pnp/|title=4 men on CCTV footage of Jolo blast 'innocent': PNP|author=Christopher Lloyd Caliwan|work=Philippine News Agency|publisher=PTV News|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=May 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528115918/https://ptvnews.ph/4-men-on-cctv-footage-of-jolo-blast-innocent-pnp/|url-status=live}} The PNP also admitted there were security lapses at the Cathedral despite previous threats for the past five years.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/31/1889699/pnp-admits-security-lapse-jolo-twin-bombings|title=PNP admits security lapse in Jolo twin bombings|author=Patricia Lourdes Viray|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201015724/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/31/1889699/pnp-admits-security-lapse-jolo-twin-bombings|url-status=live}} Several other witnesses recalled seeing a woman who they suspected of bringing a bomb, but the claims are deemed "not conclusive" as based on the initial findings of the local PNP Explosive and Ordnance Division (EOD) lab. The EOD laboratory found the bomb did not touch ground when it exploded.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/222433-pnp-says-witness-accounts-suggest-suicide-bombing-jolo-cathedral|title=PNP: Witness accounts suggest suicide bombing in Jolo Cathedral|author=Rambo Talabong|publisher=Rappler|date=February 1, 2019|access-date=February 1, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201083031/https://www.rappler.com/nation/222433-pnp-says-witness-accounts-suggest-suicide-bombing-jolo-cathedral|url-status=live}}

Through the investigation on the Indonesian bombers arrival background, the PNP stated the couple boarded a tricycle to Caltex Tiam at 19:00 on the evening after their arrival in Jolo. At 19:30, they were supposedly met by suspects identified as Papong, Awag and Radjan and boarded Awag's jeepney. The group then reached Usaw in Barangay Langhub to meet with several other suspects named Kamah, Barak, Makrim and Usman who joined them to Sitio Bastiong. In a forested area, the group is alleged to have planned the bombings together with ASG leader Sawadjaan. The Indonesian couple were sent by the ASG on January 26 to carry black trolley bags. They were escorted by Usman, Barak and nine other armed men to Barangay Latihto at 17:10. Despite the claim by Philippine authorities for the involvement of Indonesian citizens in the bombings, an investigation team sent by Indonesia to the Philippines to investigate were at that time unable to confirm that an Indonesian couple were behind the attack.{{cite web|url=https://www.persecution.org/2019/02/15/no-evidence-indonesians-involved-jolo-church-bombings/|title=No evidence Indonesians Involved in Jolo Church Bombings|author=Gina Goh|publisher=persecution.org|date=February 15, 2019|access-date=February 16, 2019|website=International Christian Concern|quote=Last week, an investigation team sent by Indonesia to Manila to investigate the twin bombings that killed 23 people at a Jolo cathedral could not confirm Philippine claims that an Indonesian couple were behind the attack. A senior counter-terror source in Jakarta told BenarNews that there were no DNA profile of the couple, no finger prints according to the post-mortem done on body parts found at the crime scene. Since returning to Jakarta this week, the Indonesian source told BenarNews that the team of counter-terror investigators has not yet received concrete evidence from Philippine authorities on the involvement of these two Indonesian individuals.|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215161611/https://www.persecution.org/2019/02/15/no-evidence-indonesians-involved-jolo-church-bombings/|url-status=live}} The Indonesian Embassy in Manila said they remained unclear on the veracity of Philippine Interior Secretary Año's statement on their nationals involvement in the attack as DNA and the CCTV evidence had yet to be released to Indonesian authorities for verification. Philippine National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) also did not see the basis of Minister Año's statement.{{cite web|url=https://en.antaranews.com/news/122154/evidence-on-indonesians-involvement-in-jolo-bombing-unreleased-by-pnp|title=Evidence on Indonesians' involvement in Jolo bombing unreleased by PNP|author1=Yashinta Difa Pramudyani|author2=Sri Haryati|publisher=Antara|date=February 5, 2019|access-date=February 16, 2019|quote=...According to the Indonesian Embassy in Manila and Indonesian Consulate General in Davao, the Philippines' National Intelligence Cooperation Agency (NICA) did not see the basis of Minister Ano`s statement on Indonesians' involvement in the attack. "When contacted by the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, the NICA has informally expressed readiness to conduct joint investigation with the Indonesian government," Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Sinyo Harry Sarundajang noted. According to the Indonesian Embassy`s record, it was not the first time that the Philippines authority had conveyed such baseless information on the involvement of Indonesians in bomb attacks in the country. Similar claims were made in two earlier bombings in Lamitan City of Basilan Province on July 31, 2018, and in Cotabato City on New Year`s Eve. "However, the investigation showed there were no Indonesians involved in the two bombings as stated by the officials and media reports," Sarundajang remarked. The embassy will seek clarification with the Philippine Secretary of the Interior and Local Government. The government will also sent a diplomatic note to seek clarification from the Philippines and to convey objection over the absence of notification regarding the allegation of Indonesians' involvement in the Jolo bomb attack.|archive-date=May 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528115928/https://en.antaranews.com/news/122154/evidence-on-indonesians-involvement-in-jolo-bombing-unreleased-by-pnp|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2019/02/04/manilas-claim-still-one-sided-on-jolo-bombing-ri-couple-says-jakarta.html|title=Manila's claim still 'one-sided' on Jolo bombing Indonesian couple, says Jakarta|author=Marguerite Afra Sapiie|publisher=The Jakarta Post|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 16, 2019|quote=Efforts to verify the information was still underway and involved Indonesia's National Counter-terrorism Agency (BNPT) and Foreign Ministry, said Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto. “Relevant authorities are still investigating who exactly was behind this attack. There are still many possibilities,” he said. “So don’t conclude rashly that Indonesian citizens were [the perpetrators]”. The government planned to deploy officials from the BNPT and the Foreign Ministry to the Philippines to gain clear understanding of the incident, said Wiranto: “We should not be trapped by a one-sided statement. We should await [the investigation].|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217084903/https://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2019/02/04/manilas-claim-still-one-sided-on-jolo-bombing-ri-couple-says-jakarta.html|url-status=live}} On February 20, the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory test results showed that four leg bone specimens of two unidentified persons among the bombing victims belonging to a male and female, which bolstered the probable involvement of said couple as corroborated by eyewitness accounts.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/223950-pnp-findings-unidentified-bodies-jolo-cathedral-bombing-female-male|title=2 unidentified bodies in Jolo bombing male, female – PNP|author=Rambo Talabong|publisher=Rappler|date=February 20, 2019|access-date=February 21, 2019|archive-date=February 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220161448/https://www.rappler.com/nation/223950-pnp-findings-unidentified-bodies-jolo-cathedral-bombing-female-male|url-status=live}}

File:President Rodrigo Duterte visiting Jolo Cathedral.jpg

File:President Rodrigo Duterte pays his last respects to the victims of the bombings in Jolo.jpg

Shortly after the incident, Malacañang Palace issued a statement that no mercy will be given to the perpetrators.{{cite web|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/27/palace-vows-to-hunt-down-perpetrators-behind-jolo-twin-explosions/|title=Palace vows to hunt down perpetrators behind Jolo twin explosions|author1=Argyll Cyrus Geducos|author2=Genalyn Kabiling|publisher=Manila Bulletin|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128135714/https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/27/palace-vows-to-hunt-down-perpetrators-behind-jolo-twin-explosions/|url-status=dead}} Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo stressed that "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". The Palace also stated the bombings provided "more reason" to retain martial law in the south.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/222085-jolo-bombing-more-reason-retain-martial-law-malacanang|title=Jolo bombing 'more reason' to retain martial law – Malacañang|author=Pia Ranada|publisher=Rappler|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=July 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720154419/https://www.rappler.com/nation/222085-jolo-bombing-more-reason-retain-martial-law-malacanang/|url-status=live}} President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his outrage over the incidents and visited the site of the bombings the following day.{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078363/duterte-outraged-by-jolo-twin-blasts|title=Duterte 'outraged' by Jolo twin blasts|author=Nestor Corrales|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128142256/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078363/duterte-outraged-by-jolo-twin-blasts|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/pope-condemns-philippines-cathedral-blast/news-story/db60aec1af9a05f66e70ae0a622f7b22|title=Duterte visits site of fatal bombings|author=Jim Gomez|agency=Reuters|publisher=news.com.au|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127220942/https://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/pope-condemns-philippines-cathedral-blast/news-story/db60aec1af9a05f66e70ae0a622f7b22|url-status=dead}} The Commission on Elections stated that, despite the bombings, it did not see the need to place Jolo under its control and defer the upcoming February 6 plebiscite.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/29/1889071/jolo-bombings-wont-stop-2nd-bangsamoro-organic-law-plebiscite|title=Jolo bombings won't stop 2nd Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite|author1=Helen Flores|author2=Rey Galupo|author3=Lawrence Agcaoili|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227044719/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/29/1889071/jolo-bombings-wont-stop-2nd-bangsamoro-organic-law-plebiscite|url-status=live}}

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) condemned the bombings in the "strongest terms" and has provided financial assistance to 36 of the over 100 survivors of the bomb attacks, with each victim receiving ₱20,000.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/27/19/armm-gov-condemns-fatal-jolo-blasts|title=ARMM gov condemns fatal Jolo blasts|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202161712/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/27/19/armm-gov-condemns-fatal-jolo-blasts|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060480|title=ARMM provides cash aid to Jolo blast victims|author=Teofilo Garcia, Jr|work=Philippine News Agency|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204014303/http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060480|url-status=live}} Mindanao Development Authority chairman Abul Khayr Alonto also called the incident a "dastardly act of insanity" which "should not be allowed to instil fear in our peace-loving populace".{{cite web|url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060192|title=Mindanao execs condemn Jolo church bombing|author=Lilian Mellejor|work=Philippine News Agency|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915022916/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060192|url-status=live}}

WestMinCom confirmed that President Duterte had issued an "all-out war directive" order against the terror groups,{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078558/duterte-wants-all-out-war-vs-jolo-mass-murderers-terror-groups|title=Duterte wants 'all-out war' vs Jolo mass murderers, terror groups|author=Julie Alipala|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=February 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213054959/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078558/duterte-wants-all-out-war-vs-jolo-mass-murderers-terror-groups|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://pcoo.gov.ph/news_releases/president-duterte-orders-afp-to-destroy-abu-sayyaf-group-after-deadly-bombings-in-sulu/|title=President Duterte orders AFP to destroy Abu Sayyaf Group after deadly bombings In Sulu|publisher=Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippines|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=June 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628020630/https://pcoo.gov.ph/news_releases/president-duterte-orders-afp-to-destroy-abu-sayyaf-group-after-deadly-bombings-in-sulu/|url-status=dead}} with Jolo being put on total lockdown.{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-01/29/c_137783623.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130110504/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-01/29/c_137783623.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 30, 2019|title=Jolo in southern Philippines on lockdown after twin blasts|publisher=Xinhua News Agency|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/29/Jolo-lockdown-Jericho-Nograles.html|title=PNP clarifies 'lockdown' limited around site of Jolo blasts|publisher=CNN Philippines|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130110614/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/29/Jolo-lockdown-Jericho-Nograles.html|url-status=dead}} The Bureau of Immigration had also been put on heightened alert to prevent the entry of new foreign terror elements,{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/29/19/immigration-on-heightened-alert-following-jolo-cathedral-blast|title=Immigration on heightened alert following Jolo cathedral blast|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020052012/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/29/19/immigration-on-heightened-alert-following-jolo-cathedral-blast|url-status=live}} while the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board directed all public utility vehicles to implement stricter security; it also advised the public to report any suspicious activity in terminals and vehicles to authorities.{{cite web|url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060395|title=LTFRB orders tight security measures in transport terminals|author=Aerol John Pateña|work=Philippine News Agency|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915020326/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060395|url-status=live}} During the joint raid conducted by Armed Forces of the Philippines Military and PNP in Barangay Latih of Patikul, Sulu, to arrest Kamah, the suspect managed to escape even as one of his companions was killed.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/29/19/jolo-bombing-suspect-evades-arrest-aide-killed-in-raid|title='Jolo bombing suspect evades arrest; aide killed in raid|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304065409/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/29/19/jolo-bombing-suspect-evades-arrest-aide-killed-in-raid|url-status=live}}

Among items seized during the raid were a .45 calibre pistol, a sniper scope, two mobile phones and a motorcycle. The military continued hunting for the suspect with attack helicopters deployed in the province,{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/30/19/airstrikes-in-sulu-as-troops-mount-all-out-war-vs-abu-sayyaf|title=Airstrikes in Sulu as troops mount 'all-out war' vs Abu Sayyaf|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921181959/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/30/19/airstrikes-in-sulu-as-troops-mount-all-out-war-vs-abu-sayyaf|url-status=live}} followed by house-to-house searches.{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1080813/jolo-house-to-house-searches|title=Security forces conduct house-to-house searches in Jolo|author=Julie Alipala|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 3, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202184711/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1080813/jolo-house-to-house-searches|url-status=live}} Approximately 5,000 elite soldiers have been mobilized, with the military operations resulting in many families fleeing their homes.{{cite web|url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/philippines-militants-01312019120438.html|title=Hundreds Flee as Philippine Military Escalates Attacks against Abu Sayyaf|author1=Jeoffrey Maitem|author2=Mark Navales|author3=Ben Hajan|author4=Richel V. Umel|author5=Dennis Jay Santos|publisher=Benar News|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=February 3, 2019}} The continuing military operations resulted in the arrest and deaths of many ASG-linked militants.{{cite web|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/06/offensives-continue-to-result-to-arrests-killing-of-fleeing-terrorists/|title=Offensives continue to result to arrests, killing of fleeing terrorists|author=Francis Wakefield|publisher=Manila Bulletin|date=February 6, 2019|access-date=February 7, 2019|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402015443/https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/06/offensives-continue-to-result-to-arrests-killing-of-fleeing-terrorists/|url-status=dead}}

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Murad Ebrahim said: "The MILF leadership joined peace-loving individuals in strongly condemning the twin bombing of the Cathedral".{{cite web|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/muslim-religious-leaders-condemn-jolo-carnage-2/503945/|title=Muslim religious leaders condemn Jolo carnage|author1=Masiding Noor Yahya|author2=Frederick Silverio|publisher=The Manila Times|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=January 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131201323/https://www.manilatimes.net/muslim-religious-leaders-condemn-jolo-carnage-2/503945/|url-status=live}} MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal condemned the attacks perpetrated against innocent civilians, calling them: "senseless violence".{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/27/19/milf-condemns-twin-bombings-in-jolo|title=MILF condemns twin bombings in Jolo|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128135314/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/27/19/milf-condemns-twin-bombings-in-jolo|url-status=live}} He was followed by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Yusop Jikiri, who stated that the bombings can: "only be the responsibility of terrorist, anti-peace, uncivilized and misguided persons".{{cite web|url=https://www.mindanews.com/statements/2019/01/statement-moro-national-liberation-front-on-jolo-cathedral-bombing/|title=STATEMENT: Moro National Liberation Front on Jolo Cathedral bombing|publisher=Minda News|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128140149/https://www.mindanews.com/statements/2019/01/statement-moro-national-liberation-front-on-jolo-cathedral-bombing/|url-status=live}} The MNLF under Emmanuel Fontanilla called upon the government to conduct peace talks with groups including ASG and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), even if they are terrorists.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/28/19/mnlf-urges-govt-talk-with-rebels-in-jolo-church-blast-probe|title=MNLF urges govt: Talk with rebels in Jolo church blast probe|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128140102/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/28/19/mnlf-urges-govt-talk-with-rebels-in-jolo-church-blast-probe|url-status=live}}

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines released a statement expressing sympathy for the victims and their families, condemning the attacks as an act of terrorism.{{cite web|url=http://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/message-of-cbcp-bishops-on-the-jolo-bombing-of-the-our-lady-of-mount-carmel-cathedral/|title=CBCP statement on the Jolo cathedral bombings|author=Romulo G. Valles|work=Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines|publisher=CBCP News|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128092750/http://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/message-of-cbcp-bishops-on-the-jolo-bombing-of-the-our-lady-of-mount-carmel-cathedral/|url-status=live}} The bishops called for Christians to join with Muslims and indigenous communities to advocate for peace against violent extremism.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/philippines-church-attack-deaths-1.4994706|title=Pope, Muslim leaders denounce deadly bombings at Catholic church in Philippines|agency=Associated Press|publisher=CBC|date=January 26, 2019|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129072420/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/philippines-church-attack-deaths-1.4994706|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/28/19/muslims-christians-urged-to-join-hands-against-terrorism-after-jolo-blasts|title=Muslims, Christians urged to join hands against terrorism after Jolo blasts|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128135921/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/28/19/muslims-christians-urged-to-join-hands-against-terrorism-after-jolo-blasts|url-status=live}}

Pope Francis denounced the bombings, reiterating: "My strongest condemnation for this episode of violence that once again strikes this Christian community. I raise my prayers for the dead and wounded. May the Lord, Prince of Peace, convert the hearts of the violent and give the inhabitants of that region a peaceful coexistence".{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/pope-calls-for-peace-in-venezuela-denounces-philippine-church-bombing.cfm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128004717/http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/pope-calls-for-peace-in-venezuela-denounces-philippine-church-bombing.cfm|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 28, 2019|title=Pope calls for peace in Venezuela, denounces Philippine church bombing|author=Junno Arocho Esteves|publisher=Catholic News Service|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019}} The World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed profound sorrow and said "In the face of this brutality, the human family, all people of faith and of good will, must stand together to recommit to respecting and caring for one another, to protecting one another, and to preventing such violence".{{cite web|url=https://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-condemns-terror-attack-on-roman-catholic-church-in-philippines-calls-for-end-to-violence|title=WCC condemns terror attack on Roman Catholic Church in Philippines, calls for end to violence|publisher=World Council of Churches|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917204812/https://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-condemns-terror-attack-on-roman-catholic-church-in-philippines-calls-for-end-to-violence/|url-status=live}} The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao has called on every churchgoer to refrain from bringing backpacks and boxes inside churches and chapels due to the threat of violence prevailing in the region of Mindanao in the wake of the bombings.{{cite web|url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060487|title=Faithful urged not to bring backpacks in churches|author=Ferdinand Patinio|work=Philippine News Agency|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915020120/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060487|url-status=live}}

Organization of the Imam Council of the Philippines (OICP) also condemned the attack, due to its: "barbaric nature which is forbidden in Islam", adding that such barbaric acts: "not only destroy the living of peace, but demolishes the tranquillity of a sound society". Another Islamic sect, the Ahlul Bait, said: "such a barbarous act must be condemned in the strongest terms".

Local human rights group Karapatan also condemned the attacks but reminded the government that the incidents should not be used as an excuse to violate human rights further, especially towards government critics.{{cite web|url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/28/jolo-church-bombings-violate-international-humanitarian-law-human-rights-group/|title=Jolo church bombings violate international humanitarian law – Human rights group|author=Chito Chavez|publisher=Manila Bulletin|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421195939/https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/28/jolo-church-bombings-violate-international-humanitarian-law-human-rights-group/|url-status=dead}} The Makabayan bloc feared that the incident might be used to extend the declaration of martial law to the whole country.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/UNTVNewsRescue/videos/774169926291675/|title=Nangangamba ang mga kongresistang miyembro ng Makabayan Bloc na baka gawing dahilan ng pamahalaan ang insidente ng pagpapasabog sa Jolo, Sulu upang magdeklara ng batas militar sa buong bansa|trans-title=The congressional members of the Makabayan Bloc fear that following the incident in Jolo, Sulu, the government will declare martial law nationwide|language=tl|publisher=UNTV News and Rescue|via=Facebook|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=May 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528115945/https://www.facebook.com/UNTVNewsRescue/videos/774169926291675/|url-status=live}} Dr. Rommel Banlaoi, Chairman of the non-government think tank, the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, warns that the Jolo Cathedral bombing will pose as "a big challenge for the Bangsamoro government."{{cite web |title=Philippines cathedral bombing sparks peace process worries |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/01/28/19/philippines-cathedral-bombing-sparks-peace-process-worries |access-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319030052/https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/01/28/19/philippines-cathedral-bombing-sparks-peace-process-worries |url-status=live }}

Various countries issued statements condemning the attacks and offering condolences to the affected victims,{{#tag:ref|Including: Argentina,{{cite web|url=https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/en/announcements/news/twin-bombings-philippines-condolences-argentine-government|title=Twin bombings in the Philippines: Condolences from the Argentine Government|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Argentina|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065635/https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/en/announcements/news/twin-bombings-philippines-condolences-argentine-government|url-status=live}} Australia,{{cite web|url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060194|title=Australia, EU condole with PH amid Jolo bombings|author=Joyce Ann L. Rocamora|work=Philippine News Agency|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129005941/http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060194|url-status=live}} Bahrain,{{cite web|url=https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?tabid=7824&language=en-US&ItemId=10150|title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of Bahrain condemns double terrorist bombings targeting a church in Republic of Philippines|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=September 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912235952/https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?tabid=7824&language=en-US&ItemId=10150|url-status=live}} Belarus,{{cite web|url=http://president.gov.by/en/news_en/view/condolences-to-president-rodrigo-duterte-of-the-philippines-20376/|title=Condolences to President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines|publisher=President of Belarus|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065730/http://president.gov.by/en/news_en/view/condolences-to-president-rodrigo-duterte-of-the-philippines-20376/|url-status=live}} Brazil,{{cite web|url=http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/en/press-releases/20012-terrorist-attack-in-the-philippines-2019|title=Terrorist attack in the Philippines|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118171742/http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/en/press-releases/20012-terrorist-attack-in-the-philippines-2019|url-status=live}} Brunei,{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.bn/Lists/Press%20Room/news.aspx?ID=728&ContentTypeId=0x01040055E31CAE71A9C144B21BBB007363093500B667C4949BC69D4394F4AC8FA016E767|title=Message of Condolence to the President of the Republic of the Philippines on the Recent Bombing in Jolo, Sulu|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brunei|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013255/http://www.mfa.gov.bn/Lists/Press%20Room/news.aspx?ID=728&ContentTypeId=0x01040055E31CAE71A9C144B21BBB007363093500B667C4949BC69D4394F4AC8FA016E767|url-status=live}} Canada,{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2019/01/canada-condemns-bomb-attacks-on-a-church-in-southern-philippines.html|title=Canada condemns bomb attacks on a church in southern Philippines|publisher=Government of Canada|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128195101/https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2019/01/canada-condemns-bomb-attacks-on-a-church-in-southern-philippines.html|url-status=live}} China,{{cite web|url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1633218.shtml|title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on January 28, 2019|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|quote=China strongly condemns the violent attacks in Sulu province of the Philippines on innocent civilians. We express our condolences to the victims and sympathies the injured and the bereaved families. China opposes all forms of terrorism and stands ready to work with the international community including the Philippines to jointly combat threats and challenges posed by terrorism and safeguard international and regional peace and stability.|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129122926/https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1633218.shtml|url-status=live}} Egypt,{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.eg/English/MediaCenter/News/Pages/Philippines.aspx|title=Egypt condemns the terrorist attack near Church in southern Philippines|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130000013/https://www.mfa.gov.eg/English/MediaCenter/News/Pages/Philippines.aspx|url-status=dead}} France,{{cite web|url=https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/philippines/events/article/philippines-attack-against-the-cathedral-on-jolo-island-27-01-19|title=Philippines – Attack against the cathedral on Jolo Island (27 January 2019)|publisher=Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, France|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422014611/https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/philippines/events/article/philippines-attack-against-the-cathedral-on-jolo-island-27-01-19|url-status=live}} Germany,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2193764670666723&id=144661332243744|title=The German Embassy Manila offers their sincere condolences to the families of the victims and hopes for the quick recovery of those injured in the recent bombings in Sulu province|publisher=Embassy of Germany in the Philippines|via=Facebook|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=May 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528115944/https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2193764670666723&id=144661332243744|url-status=live}} Hungary,{{cite web|url=http://www.kormany.hu/en/prime-minister-s-office/news/hungary-has-offered-the-victims-of-the-philippines-terrorist-attack-emergency-assistance-within-the-framework-of-the-hungary-helps-program|title=Hungary has offered the victims of the Philippines terrorist attack emergency assistance within the framework of the Hungary Helps Program|work=Prime Minister’s Office, Hungary|publisher=Government of Hungary|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130162443/http://www.kormany.hu/en/prime-minister-s-office/news/hungary-has-offered-the-victims-of-the-philippines-terrorist-attack-emergency-assistance-within-the-framework-of-the-hungary-helps-program|url-status=dead}} India,{{cite web|url=https://thephilbiznews.com/2019/01/31/indian-prime-minister-shri-narendra-modi-extends-sympathy-to-ph-on-jolo-bombing/|title=Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extends sympathy to PH on Jolo bombing|publisher=The Philippine Business and News|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202095526/https://thephilbiznews.com/2019/01/31/indian-prime-minister-shri-narendra-modi-extends-sympathy-to-ph-on-jolo-bombing/|url-status=dead}} Indonesia,{{cite web|url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/en/berita/Pages/Indonesia-Condemns-the-Terror-Attack-in-Jolo,-Philippines.aspx|title=Indonesia Condemns the Terror Attack in Jolo, Philippines|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Iran,{{cite web|url=http://en.mfa.ir/index.aspx?siteid=3&fkeyid=&siteid=3&pageid=36409&newsview=555174|title=Iran's Foreign Ministry Condemns Philippines Bombing|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iran|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Israel,{{cite web|url=http://thejewishvoice.com/2019/01/30/israel-conveys-condolences-to-philippines-after-isis-attack-at-church/|title=Israel Conveys Condolences to Philippines After ISIS Attack at Church|author=Aryeh Savir|work=TPS|publisher=The Jewish Voice|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013421/http://thejewishvoice.com/2019/01/30/israel-conveys-condolences-to-philippines-after-isis-attack-at-church/|url-status=dead}} Japan,{{cite web|url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_002311.html|title=Message of condolence from Foreign Minister Taro Kono following the terror attack in Jolo, Sulu, the Philippines|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019}} Malaysia,{{cite web|url=http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/-/press-release-security-incidents-in-mindanao-republic-of-the-philippines|title=Kejadian Letupan di Mindanao, Republik Filipina|trans-title=Explosion in Mindanao, Republic of the Philippines|language=ms|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065306/http://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/-/press-release-security-incidents-in-mindanao-republic-of-the-philippines|url-status=live}} Mexico,{{cite web|url=https://www.unotv.com/noticias/portal/nacional/detalle/sre-expresa-condolencias-explosion-filipinas-989724/|title=SRE expresa sus condolencias tras explosión en Filipinas|trans-title=SRE expresses its condolences after explosion in the Philippines|language=es|publisher=UNOTV.com|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128004539/https://www.unotv.com/noticias/portal/nacional/detalle/sre-expresa-condolencias-explosion-filipinas-989724/|url-status=live}} Norway,{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078621/norway-condoles-with-kin-of-jolo-blast-vicitms|title=Norway condoles with kin of Jolo blast victims|author=Christia Marie Ramos|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917141054/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078621/norway-condoles-with-kin-of-jolo-blast-vicitms|url-status=live}} Qatar,{{cite web|url=http://qatar-tribune.com/news-details/id/153590|title=Qatar condemns Philippines church bombings|work=Qatar News Agency|publisher=Qatar Tribune|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913001332/https://www.qatar-tribune.com/news-details/id/153590|url-status=live}} Russia,{{cite web|url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59737|title=Condolences to President of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte|publisher=President of Russia|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|quote=A crime committed against civilians who had congregated for church services is shocking in its cynicism and cruelty. I expect that the masterminds and perpetrators of this crime will sustain the punishment they deserve. I would like to reiterate our readiness to further step up interaction with our Philippine partners in combating the terrorist threat in all its forms and manifestations.|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921102709/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59737|url-status=live}} Saudi Arabia,{{cite web|url=https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1565986/saudi-arabia-offers-condolences-philippines-over-church-bombings|title=Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Philippines over Church Bombings|publisher=Asharq Al-Awsat|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129181742/https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1565986/saudi-arabia-offers-condolences-philippines-over-church-bombings|url-status=dead}} Singapore,{{cite web|url=https://www1.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2019/01/30012019-Condolence-Letter-on-Bomb-Attacks-in-The-Philippines|title=Condolence Letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on the Bomb Attacks at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, The Philippines|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065530/https://www1.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2019/01/30012019-Condolence-Letter-on-Bomb-Attacks-in-The-Philippines|url-status=dead}} South Africa,{{cite web|url=http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/2019/unsc0129.htm|title=Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Sulu Province, the Philippines|publisher=Department of Foreign Affairs, South Africa|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=August 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805110217/http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/2019/unsc0129.htm|url-status=dead}} Spain,{{cite web|url=http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/SalaDePrensa/Comunicados/Paginas/2019_COMUNICADOS/20190127_COMU018.aspx|title=Terrorist Attack at a Cathedral in the Philippines|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Spain|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130030218/http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/SalaDePrensa/Comunicados/Paginas/2019_COMUNICADOS/20190127_COMU018.aspx|url-status=dead}} Thailand,{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/news3/6886/99189-Messages-of-Condolence-from-the-Prime-Minister-of.html|title=Press Release : Messages of Condolence from the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand on the attacks on the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Philippines|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013541/https://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/news3/6886/99189-Messages-of-Condolence-from-the-Prime-Minister-of.html|archive-date=February 1, 2019|url-status=dead}} Turkey,{{cite web|url=http://kualalumpur.emb.mfa.gov.tr/Mission/ShowAnnouncement/353656|title=No:16, 27 January 2019, Press Release Regarding The Explosions At A Cathedral In Southern Philippines|publisher=Embassy of Turkey in Malaysia|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308180413/http://kualalumpur.emb.mfa.gov.tr/Mission/ShowAnnouncement/353656|url-status=live}} the United Kingdom,{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-bol-ratification-issued-by-british-embassy-manila|title=Statement on BOL ratification issued by British Embassy Manila|publisher=Government of the United Kingdom|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|quote=The UK condemns Sunday’s bomb attack in Jolo. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific and the British Ambassador have both offered their condolences.|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913002130/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-bol-ratification-issued-by-british-embassy-manila|url-status=live}} the United States,{{cite tweet|number=1089687157592285189|title=My deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of life in Jolo. We condemn this senseless violence and we will do everything possible to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines|author=Sung Kim|user=USAmbManila|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019}} and Vietnam.{{cite web|url=http://en.nhandan.org.vn/politics/item/7103702-vietnam-strongly-condemns-bomb-attacks-in-philippines.html|title=Vietnam strongly condemns bomb attacks in Philippines|publisher=Nhân Dân|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917202722/https://en.nhandan.org.vn/politics/item/7103702-vietnam-strongly-condemns-bomb-attacks-in-philippines.html|url-status=live}}|group="note"}} as well as international organizations including the Asian Development Bank,{{cite web|url=https://www.adb.org/news/adb-offers-sympathies-support-after-terror-attacks-mindanao|title=ADB Offers Sympathies, Support After Terror Attacks in Mindanao|publisher=Asian Development Bank|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=September 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912231502/https://www.adb.org/news/adb-offers-sympathies-support-after-terror-attacks-mindanao|url-status=live}} Association of Southeast Asian Nations,{{cite web|url=https://asean.org/asean-foreign-ministers-statement-bombing-cathedral-lady-mount-carmel-jolo-sulu-philippines/|title=ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Statement on the Bombing at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, the Philippines|publisher=Association of Southeast Asian Nations|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=January 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131093455/https://asean.org/asean-foreign-ministers-statement-bombing-cathedral-lady-mount-carmel-jolo-sulu-philippines/|url-status=live}} European Union,{{cite web|url=https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/57214/statement-spokesperson-today%E2%80%99s-bomb-attacks-cathedral-jolo-philippines_en|title=Statement by the Spokesperson on today's bomb attacks in the Cathedral of Jolo in the Philippines|publisher=European External Action Service|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129064115/https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/57214/statement-spokesperson-today%E2%80%99s-bomb-attacks-cathedral-jolo-philippines_en|url-status=live}} Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,{{cite web|url=https://www.oic-oci.org/topic/?t_id=20531&t_ref=11679&lan=en|title=OIC Strongly Condemns Armed Attack on Church in Southern Philippines|publisher=Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=September 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912234048/https://www.oic-oci.org/topic/?t_id=20531&t_ref=11679&lan=en|url-status=live}} United Nations,{{cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031402|title=UN chief condemns deadly terrorist attack on church in southern Philippines|publisher=United Nations|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128030131/https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/01/1031402|url-status=live}} and World Bank.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/statement/2019/01/28/statement-of-the-world-bank-on-the-recent-bombing-incidents-in-jolo-sulu|title=Statement of the World Bank on the Recent Bombing Incidents in Jolo, Sulu|publisher=World Bank|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129005909/http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/statement/2019/01/28/statement-of-the-world-bank-on-the-recent-bombing-incidents-in-jolo-sulu|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078461/jolo-bombing-govt-thanks-world-leaders-for-messages-of-support|title=Jolo bombing: Gov't thanks world leaders for messages of support|author=Darryl John Esguerra|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129005827/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078461/jolo-bombing-govt-thanks-world-leaders-for-messages-of-support|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/30/1889408/philippines-welcomes-global-condemnation-jolo-bombings|title=Philippines welcomes global condemnation of Jolo bombings|author=Patricia Lourdes Viray|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422104108/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/30/1889408/philippines-welcomes-global-condemnation-jolo-bombings|url-status=live}} UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office raised a travel warning for Western and Central Mindanao as well as the Sulu Archipelago following the incidents.{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/27/united-kingdom-travel-advisory-jolo-twin-blasts.html|title=UK issues travel warning after Jolo bomb attacks|publisher=CNN Philippines|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 28, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128191219/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/27/united-kingdom-travel-advisory-jolo-twin-blasts.html|url-status=dead}} The bombings indirectly created negative impacts towards the barter trade between Malaysia and the Philippines with concerns raised from Filipino barter traders over their safety.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-borneo-post-sabah/20190129/281547997115381|title=Barter traders worry over safety after twin Jolo bombings|publisher=The Borneo Post|via=PressReader|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913002954/https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-borneo-post-sabah/20190129/281547997115381|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/29050|title=Filipino traders concerned with Mindanao unrest|publisher=New Sabah Times|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=January 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130141208/http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/29050|url-status=dead}}

Neighbouring Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) stepped up security in their Sabah's state to prevent foreign terror groups transiting through Malaysian East Coast major towns like Sandakan and Tawau prior to proceeding to the Southern Philippine islands.{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/455833/jolo-church-blast-police-step-security-sabah-following-latest-intel|title=Jolo church blast: Police step up security in Sabah following latest intel on IS terrorists|author=Aizat Sharif|publisher=New Straits Times|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913000159/https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/01/455833/jolo-church-blast-police-step-security-sabah-following-latest-intel|url-status=live}} Malaysian Deputy Home Minister Azis Jamman instructed all of Malaysian enforcement agencies: the Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Civil Defence Department and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to increase the border security since they did not want the repetition of 1972, where many Southern Filipino refugees fled to Sabah as a result of the civil war, considering the many social problems associated with the refugees still being reported.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/03/border-security-boost-at-sabah-east-coast-after-church-bombing-in-southern-philippines/|title=Border security boost at Sabah's east coast after church bombing in southern Philippines|author=Natasha Joibi|work=The Star|date=February 3, 2019|access-date=February 3, 2019|quote=Malaysian Deputy Home Minister Mohd Azis Jamman said he has personally informed the heads of all the enforcement agencies to boost security measures in the eastern Sabah area. In a statement, he said "I has contacted all the directors to ask them to tighten up border security because we do not want a repetition of 1972, which saw many refugees from the Philippines fleeing to Sabah amid the civil war in their country. We don't want them fleeing to Malaysia not because we are cruel, but because we don't want the conflict from our neighbouring country to spread here. As it is, Malaysia is already facing many problems regarding illegal immigrants especially in Sabah. We don't want to court more problems".|archive-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203121245/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/02/03/border-security-boost-at-sabah-east-coast-after-church-bombing-in-southern-philippines/|url-status=live}}

The Indonesian Consulate in Sabah issued a statement of "no knowledge" of any ransom paid by any parties for the release of any citizens from ASG abductors in recent kidnappings, in response to claims made by former JI member that ransom money was used in part of the bombings, adding that the Government of Indonesia did not even communicate nor negotiate with the kidnappers for their release.{{cite web|url=http://dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=131038|title=Any ransom was not from us: Indo consulate|author=Zam Yusa|publisher=Daily Express|date=February 1, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201140727/http://dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=131038|url-status=live}} Earlier on January 16, the Director of the Indonesian Citizens Protection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Muhammad Iqbal also rejected any claim about the use of ransom money, saying the hostages were released through the collaboration of an "inside network" between their government and Indonesian "assets" in the southern Philippines.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/indonesia-46887910|title=Samsul Saguni, nelayan Indonesia sandera Abu Sayyaf dibebaskan dalam proses 'semi inteljen'|trans-title=Samsul Saguni, Indonesian fisherman Abu Sayyaf hostages freed in a 'semi-intelligence' process|language=id|publisher=BBC News Indonesia|date=January 17, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207050655/https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/indonesia-46887910|url-status=live}}

Indonesian Foreign Minister Ms. Retno Marsudi condemned the bombing and sent condolences, and clarified their stance that the Indonesian embassy in Manila and their Consulate General in Davao were still attempting to get definitive information from various parties consequent to Minister Año's claim of Indonesian citizens' involvement.{{cite web|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2019/02/02/jakarta-seeks-confirmation-on-alleged-role-of-indonesians-in-jolo-attacks.html|title=Jakarta seeks confirmation on alleged role of Indonesians in Jolo attacks|author=Dian Septiari|publisher=The Jakarta Post|date=February 2, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202154139/https://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2019/02/02/jakarta-seeks-confirmation-on-alleged-role-of-indonesians-in-jolo-attacks.html|url-status=live}} Director of National Agency for Combating Terrorism (BNPT) Irfan Idris stated as of February 3, 2019, formal verifications of Indonesian involvement had not been received by Indonesian Head of Police Public Information Section Senior Commander Syahar Diantono nor by Co-ordinating Minister of Interior Minister Wiranto.{{cite web|url=https://www.republika.co.id/berita/nasional/umum/19/02/03/pmcumx349-bnpt-tunggu-informasi-resmi-filipina-soal-pelaku-bom-di-jolo|title=BNPT Tunggu Informasi Resmi Filipina Soal Pelaku Bom di Jolo|trans-title=BNPT is Waiting for Official Philippine Information About Bombers in Jolo|author1=Dian Erika Nugraheny|author2=Ichsan Emrald Alamsyah|language=id|publisher=Republika|date=February 3, 2019|access-date=February 16, 2019|editor-last=Alamsyah|editor-first=Ichsan Emrald|website=Republika Online|quote=In her official statement, Foreign Minister Retno also stated that the Indonesian Embassy in Manila and the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao were also trying to get confirmation from the news. This is part of the government's efforts to communicate with various parties in the Philippines to obtain confirmation.. "Today I will continue to communicate with the Philippine authorities to confirm it," she said again. However, said the Foreign Minister, the latest information received from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) military command, the identity and citizenship of the perpetrators of the bombing in Jolo has not been identified to date. This means that until now the information that mentions the perpetrators is still an alleged Indonesian citizen. "If it's true Indonesian citizens, that's what we will make sure of," said Foreign Minister Retno. Head of Police Public Information Section Sr. Comr. Pol. Syahar Diantono said that the PNP had not been able to ascertain the identity of the perpetrators of the suicide bombing. The police said he was still waiting for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is currently trying to get official information about the case.|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030409/https://www.republika.co.id/berita/nasional/umum/19/02/03/pmcumx349-bnpt-tunggu-informasi-resmi-filipina-soal-pelaku-bom-di-jolo|url-status=live}} Indonesian anti-terrorism Detachment 88 team with Indonesian State Intelligence Agency (BIN), BNPT and representatives of the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry had also been flown to Jolo to assist in the identification of the suicide bombers.{{cite web|url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2019/02/14/16034501/kepala-bnpt-terlalu-dini-sebut-dua-pengebom-gereja-di-filipina-adalah-wni|title=Kepala BNPT: Terlalu Dini Sebut Dua Pengebom Gereja di Filipina adalah WNI|trans-title=Head of BNPT: Too Early Call Two Church Bombers in the Philippines are Indonesian Citizens|author1=Christoforus Ristianto|author2=Sandro Gatra|publisher=Kompas|date=February 14, 2019|access-date=February 16, 2019|quote=Anti-terrorism Detachment 88 team with BIN, BNPT and representatives of the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry are scheduled to fly to the Philippines. The Indonesian team will help identify suicide bombers in the church on Jolo.|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030331/https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2019/02/14/16034501/kepala-bnpt-terlalu-dini-sebut-dua-pengebom-gereja-di-filipina-adalah-wni|url-status=live}}

On January 30, Hungary offered Ft 30 million (₱1.89 million){{cite web|url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060510|title=Hungary extends PHP1.89-M to victims of Jolo explosions|author=Joyce Ann L. Rocamora|work=Philippine News Agency|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915003530/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060510|url-status=live}} as emergency assistance to the victims of the bombings through the Hungary Helps Program. China via its Manila Embassy pledged a total of RMB5 million (₱38.8 million) for those affected in the bombings.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/31/1889723/china-donates-p388m-jolo-blast-victims|title=China donates P38.8M for Jolo blast victims|author=Patricia Lourdes Viray|publisher=The Philippine Star|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201025441/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/31/1889723/china-donates-p388m-jolo-blast-victims|url-status=live}} China, India, Russia and the United States have also expressed their commitment to help the Philippines in their fight against terrorism in their country.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-strengthens-counter-terror-ties-with-phipplines-after-church-attacks/articleshow/67756981.cms|title=India strengthens counter terror ties with Philippines after church attacks|author=Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423142535/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-strengthens-counter-terror-ties-with-phipplines-after-church-attacks/articleshow/67756981.cms|url-status=live}}

A few days after the cathedral bombings, following a televised statement by President Duterte that "the attacks may have involved a suicide bomber", a grenade was thrown into a mosque in the village of Barangay Talon-Talon, southeast of Zamboanga City. This resulted in the death of two civilians and the wounding of three others.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-security/grenade-attack-on-mosque-kills-two-in-philippines-south-security-official-idUSKCN1PO04T|title=Philippines urges calm after grenade attack on mosque kills two|author1=Karen Lema|author2=Neil Jerome Morales|author3=Martin Petty|author4=Michael Perry|publisher=Reuters|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202095331/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-security/grenade-attack-on-mosque-kills-two-in-philippines-south-security-official-idUSKCN1PO04T|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1785462|title=Zamboanga mayor renews call for vigilance|author=Bong Garcia|publisher=Sun.Star|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2019|quote=The grenade explosion at the mosque in the village of Barangay Talon-Talon on Tuesday killing two people and wounding three others. Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has ordered the military and police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation on the incident as she allayed fears that the incident was a consequence of a tension between Muslims and Christians.|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202154202/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1785462|url-status=live}} Beng Climaco, the mayor of Zamboanga City, ordered the military and police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation on the incident, which they feared was "a consequence of a tension between Muslims and Christians" resulting from the Jolo Cathedral bombings.

• 2020 Jolo bombings

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Category:21st-century mass murder in the Philippines

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