BREAKING: Terrorist attack hits Catholic church in Philippines, 21 dead, over 70 injured

At least 21 people were killed and over 70 injured after two huge blasts went off near a Catholic cathedral on the Philippine island of Mindanao.

The attack came days after a predominantly Muslim area in the region voted 'yes' in a referendum for greater autonomy.

The first blast killed two civilians and wounded 20 other churchgoers inside the Jolo Cathedral called Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Sulu province.

A second explosive device was detonated as the soldiers responded to the initial attack inside the church leaving 15 members of the security forces wounded.

At least 70 others were also wounded in the twin blasts.

Security officials say the first bomb went off in the Jolo cathedral during Mass, followed by a second blast outside the compound as government forces were arriving in the area.

Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde said that at least 21 people died and 70 were wounded. Police and military reports said the casualties included both troops and civilians.

Photos on social media showed debris and bodies lying on a busy street outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which has been hit by bombs in the past. Troops in armored carriers sealed off the main road leading to the church while vehicles were transporting the dead and wounded to the hospital. Some casualties were evacuated by air to nearby Zamboanga city.

Culled from Daily Mail.