According to preliminary reports, 22 people have died and other 81 wounded as a result of a double synchronised attack on the cathedral of the city of Jolo, in the Philippine island of Mindanao, south of the archipelago.

The first bomb exploded inside the city’s catholic cathedral, while the second was detonated outside after police and military troops arrived on the scene.

Reports from the island added that 15 of the victims are civilians, while 7 military personnel. The attack has to be read in the context of the offensive launched by the jihadist groups against the implementation of the peace agreements signed in 2014 between the Philippine government and the Moro Liberation Front.

The Peace Agreements have been respected by current president, right wing Rodrigo Duterte who also celebrated the referendum, as required by the agreements, to establish the autonomous region of Bangsamoro (in the mostly Islamic island of Mindanao). The 87% of voters approved the establishment of the autonomous region.

The Peace Agreements would mean the end of a conflict that lasted half a century causing over 150 thousand dead.

Police said the attack at the cathedral appeared to be the work of the Abu Sayyaf organisation, a small offspring group of the Frente Moro. Abu Sayyaf together with other small groups, like Mante or the Fighters for the Islamic Liberation of Bangsamoro, have been developing a violent and very active net affiliated to the Islamic State.

The Catholic Episcopal Conference of Philippines, given the characteristics of the attack and its attempt to cause sectarian confrontation, has urged its followers to “join Muslims and indigenous to defend peace against violent extremism”.