Philippines cathedral bombing sparks peace process worries

The Islamic State-claimed bombing of a Catholic cathedral that killed 20 in the Philippines' restive south put fresh pressure Monday on peace efforts aimed at ending decades of separatist violence.

Two explosions tore through the cathedral, shattering pews and windows, on the Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces in one the nation's worst bombings in years.

Experts voiced concern on Monday over the impact the attack would have on a decades-long push for peace that culminated last week in voters approving expanded Muslim self-rule in the south.

The vote was the result of negotiations started in the 1990s with the nation's largest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and will give it considerable power over the so-called Bangsamoro region.

The IS claim, in a formal communique, said two suicide bombers had detonated explosive belts, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activities.

But a military report said the second bomb was left in the utility box of a motorcycle in the parking area outside the church. Police said they believe the explosives were detonated remotely, but did elaborate.

Despite the contradictions, authorities have not ruled out IS involvement.

Jihadist factions aligned with the group -- including the notorious Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group -- which were not part of the peace process, are prime suspects in the bombing.

The remote island of Jolo is a base of the group, which is blamed for deadly bombings, including an attack on a ferry in Manila Bay in 2004 that claimed 116 lives in the country's deadliest terror assault.

- 'Opportunities squandered' -

"This is a big challenge for the Bangsamoro government," said Rommel Banlaoi, chair of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research.