In a tragic incident at a university gym in the southern Philippines, ISIS claimed responsibility for a bomb blast targeting a Catholic mass.
The attack, which took place in Marawi City, resulted in the deaths of four individuals, with a dozen more sustaining injuries.
“The soldiers of the caliphate detonated an explosive device on a large gathering of Christians… in the city of Marawi,” ISIL said in a statement on Telegram.
Philippine authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the masterminds and perpetrators behind the bombing.
Approximately 40 people are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while those with minor injuries were attended to at the scene, according to the region’s Governor.
Marawi City, situated in Mindanao, has witnessed several terrorist attacks, including a five-month occupation by ISIS-affiliated groups in 2017, prompting a mass exodus of residents before the Philippine military successfully reclaimed the city.
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With a predominantly Catholic population, the Philippines also harbors a significant Muslim community, particularly in Mindanao.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned the attack in a post on X (formerly Twitter), asserting, “Extremists who resort to violence against the innocent will always be seen as enemies to our society.” He announced the deployment of additional security forces to the region.
The U.S. State Department expressed solidarity with the Philippines, releasing a statement that read, “The United States is in close contact with our Philippine partners and stands with the people of the Philippines in rejecting this act of violence.”
The international community closely watches as efforts intensify to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.