Death toll in Jolo twin blasts climbs to 22

The death toll in the January 27 twin bombings at a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, has climbed to 22, the military said Friday.

According to Colonel Gerry Besana, spokesperson for the military's Western Mindanao Command, a victim admitted to Zamboanga City Medical Center died on Thursday after her life support was removed with her family's consent.

Besana identified the latest fatality as Thelma Villanueva, whose remains will be brought by her family to Basilan.

As of Friday noon, the official number of casualties in the twin bombings is 22 dead and 101 wounded.

Of the 22 killed, six were soldiers, one was a member of the Philippine Coast Guard, and 15 were civilians).

Meanwhile, of the 101 wounded, 14 were soldiers, two were PCG personnel, and 85 were civilians.

Security officials have linked the Abu Sayyaf to the bombings. President Rodrigo Duterte, citing information from the military, said it was the handiwork of two suicide bombers. —KBK, GMA News