AKIPRESS.COM - Two bombs at a Roman Catholic cathedral in southern Philippines have killed 20 people and injured dozens more, local officials say, BBC reports.

The Islamic State (IS) group said it was behind the attack on Jolo island, where jihadist groups are active.

The first blast happened as Sunday Mass was being celebrated. A second device exploded outside as soldiers responded.

The attack came days after a majority-Muslim area in the region voted for greater autonomy in a referendum.

A statement from IS said the attack was carried out by "two knights of martyrdom" against a "crusader temple".

Jolo has long been a base for militants, including those of the Abu Sayyaf group. Several of its factions have declared allegiance to IS.