Two bomb blasts in the Philippines have killed at least nine people, including five soldiers

International Desk: Two explosions have occurred in the Philippines. At least nine people were killed in powerful blasts in the south of the country on Monday. The bomber struck shortly after noon in an area controlled by Abu Sayyaf, a branch of the Islamic State militant group.

Capt. Rex Payet, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the bomber struck shortly after noon in front of a town plaza on Zolo Island.

At least five soldiers and four civilians were killed in the blast, police and army said. The blast took place during the local administration's humanitarian aid operation against Kovid-19. Army members were assisting local municipal officials in the program.

The second blast occurred shortly after the first. No casualties were reported in the first blast, but no immediate casualties were reported in the second blast near the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Charmel.

Last year, a suicide bomber struck the same cathedral. At least 23 people were killed in the attack. A suicide bomber struck shortly after noon in front of a crowd of worshipers.