In a tragic incident during a Catholic mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi on Sunday, an explosion tore through the university gymnasium, claiming four lives and leaving dozens injured.
Authorities are now probing the explosion incident, with suspicions pointing towards a revenge attack by pro-Islamic State militants.
The regional police director, Brig Gen. Allan Nobleza, informed reporters that investigators are exploring whether the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) or a grenade.
The blast resulted in panic among worshippers, with victims sprawled on the ground, bloodied.
Among the casualties were three women, and around 50 individuals with mostly minor injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals. Taha Mandangan, the university’s security chief, emphasized the terrorist nature of the act, stating, “This is clearly an act of terrorism. It’s not a simple feud between two people. A bomb will kill everybody around.”
READ ALSO: 6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines
Security forces swiftly cordoned off the explosion area, initiating an investigation and checking security cameras for leads on the perpetrators.
The possibility of revenge by pro-Islamic State militants is being actively pursued, considering Marawi’s history of a five-month siege by Islamist militants in 2017.
In a separate military operation on Saturday, the Philippine military reported the killing of 11 militants, including members of Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines, a pro-Islamic State group.
Regional authorities condemned the violence, with Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr stating, “Terroristic attacks on educational institutions must also be condemned because these are places that promote the culture of peace.”
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra called for unity among Muslim and Christian communities, emphasizing the city’s commitment to peace and harmony.
Meanwhile, Mindanao State University expressed deep sorrow and condemnation for the “senseless and horrific act” in a statement on Facebook. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by the region.