The Islamic State-claimed bombing of a Catholic cathedral that killed 20 in the Philippines’ restive south put fresh pressure Monday on peace efforts aimed at ending decades of separatist violence. Jihadist factions aligned with the group — including the notorious Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group — which were not part of the peace process, are prime suspects in the bombing. ‘Opportunities squandered’“This is a big challenge for the Bangsamoro government,” said Rommel Banlaoi, chair of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research. Meanwhile, condolences poured in from around the world for the victims at the cathedral, which has been repeatedly targeted by grenade attacks that did not prove fatal. “It’s a terrible human tragedy, it’s also a development tragedy,” World Bank economist Andrew Mason told broadcaster ABS-CBN.

Source: Egypt Independent January 28, 2019 05:26 UTC