Manila (AsiaNews) – The death toll from two explosions and gun battles between Abu Sayyaff Islamic rebels and the army that yesterday shocked the city of Isabela (Basilan, Mindanao) has risen to 15. Among the victims Purudji Indama's brother, a leader of the terrorist group linked to al-Qaeda. While the city remains under the control of over 300 military, the bishop of Basilan Mgr. Martin Jumoad, has urged the population to remain calm and pray for peace.  

The attack started yesterday morning at 10.30 with the explosion of two bombs outside the Cathedral of Saint Isabel, partly destroyed, and Basilan National High School. A third bomb, placed in front of the courthouse, but was defused by the police bomb squad. After the explosions rebels, who passed unnoticed wearing fake military uniforms, began firing on passersby, sparking a gun battle with police and army. In total the attack left 15 dead, 6 civilians, 5 terrorists, 3 soldiers and a policeman.  

“The attack was well planned - states gen. Ben Dolorfino, military chief for Mindanao - the uniforms worn by the rebels were new and showed no signs of wear”. Dolorfino said that intelligence had received information concerning a possible attack by Abu Sayyaf and that is why the army was able to act quickly and avoid more victims.  

Today Mgr. Martin Jumoad, Bishop of Basilan called on the population to remain calm and pray for peace and asked the military and police for urgent action to neutralize the Islamic rebels who have chosen the first objective is the cathedral of Saint Isabel. "70% of the church is damaged  - he said - and we can not say mass. I appeal to the men and women in uniform to help neutralize those who struck the cathedral. "  

Last night the bishop led a torch lit procession directly to the sites of explosions to condemn the violence and pray for the victims.