Bombing in the Philippines Kills 19

[MABinPengChau]

Sigh...religious violence, so sad. A bombing at a cathedral in the south:

https://news.yahoo.com/bombs-target-...030641275.html

[hullexile]

I don't think this is religious violence but something nastier.

Last week was the plebiscite on setting up the Bangsamoro (Land of the Muslims) Autonomous Region. That passed smoothly and successfully. All regions involved voted in favour EXCEPT Sulu. Sulu is the base for the Abu Sayyaff group but it is also had the only Muslim political leader opposed to the Bangsamoro (because he will probably lose power as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will take control until elections in 2022.).

So I think it was probably political with the cathedral just a soft target. The cathedral has been there for hundreds of years and I don't think it is coincidence it happened only this week.

[MABinPengChau]

I meant religious as in radical Islam, not sure whether it counts as religious or political or whatever, still depressing. And once you pick a religious target that is not your religion, well, that makes it a somewhat religious issue. Yes, all the news reports discussed the referendums- guess these guys are sore losers...

[hullexile]

I meant religious as in radical Islam, not sure whether it counts as religious or political or whatever, still depressing. And once you pick a religious target that is not your religion, well, that makes it a somewhat religious issue. Yes, all the news reports discussed the referendums- guess these guys are sore losers...

Yes but the reports are pointing the finger at Abu Sayyaff or Radical Islam groups, I am pointing the finger at a politician.

Depressing I agree but it won't derail the peace process I am sure.

[hullexile]

Seems I was wrong. The probable bomber has been identified as an Abu Sayyaff bombmaker. His brother was a recently killed Abu Sayyaff sub leader.