2020 Jolo Suicide Attack: Evolving Tactics SYNOPSIS COMMENTARY

The two-stage attack, which killed at least 14 and wounded 75, is the fifth case of suicide terrorism in the Philippines orchestrated by the IS-aligned Sawadjaan faction of ASG. [...] The involvement of females in the suicide attack has amplified fears about the changing tactics of the ASG as the group continues to intensify pressures targeting the military even at crowded civilian spaces. [...] The Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded over 588 sightings of IS groups in the country between 18 April to 12 June 2020 at the height of the first wave of the pandemic in the Philippines. [...] Suicide Bombing Trend in Philippines The rise of suicide bombing in the Philippines emanates from the contagious effect of the ideology of violent extremism propagated by IS foreign fighters in the country. [...] In this instance, based on the military claims that one of the bombers was the Indonesian wife of Norman Lasuca, it further cements the dependence of foreign militants for suicide bombing operations in the country.