Two suicide bombings in Jolo kill 15, injure 78

At least 15 persons were killed and 78 others injured in two successive bomb explosions in Jolo, Sulu, with the military believing both explosions were caused by suicide bombers.

The second blast was triggered by a female suicide bomber, killing a soldier, and the total fatalities include seven soldiers, six civilians, one policeman, and the two suicide bombers.

Injured included 24 soldiers, three Special Action Force commandos, six Sulu Provincial Police officers, and 48 civilians.

The military believes the Abu Sayyaf Group was behind the attack and is investigating a possible retaliatory motive for the arrest of leader Anduljihad "Idang" Susukan.

Combat and intelligence operations have been intensified to pursue the perpetrators of the deadly explosions, with troops on high alert to deter similar attacks.

The suspected suicide bombers were identified as the wives of Filipino bomber Norman Lasuca and ISIS liaison Abu Talha, named Nanah and Inda Nhay.

Jolo was placed under lockdown following the explosions to prevent further atrocities.