By APD writerMelo M. Acuña

MANILA,Jan.27(APD)-The death toll in the twin bombing at Mt. Carmel Cathedral in downtown Jolo in Sulu Province rose to 19 while the reported wounded reached 81 as more details reach this city Sunday afternoon.

Philippine National Police Spokesman Sr. Supt. Bernard M. Banac said aside from the five soldiers tasked to protect the church who died in the twin blasts, a member of the Philippine Coast Guard and 13 civilians were killed.

There were 81 wounded, 14 of whom were soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion, two policemen and two members of the Philippine Coast Guard and 63 civilians.

Other sources said seven seriously wounded persons were evacuated by helicopter to Zamboanga City for immediate medical attention.

Government authorities are still reconciling information and details about the victims’ identifies.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)