A bomb planted by foreign militants exploded at a university gymnasium in Marawi, Philippines, during a Catholic Mass, killing at least four and injuring dozens. The attack is believed to be a retaliatory strike for a government offensive that killed 11 militants. President Marcos Jr. condemned the attack. Benar News reported
A bomb believed to have been planted by foreign militants detonated in a university gymnasium in Marawi, a city in the southern Philippines. The explosion occurred during a Catholic Mass, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and injuring dozens. The university, Mindanao State University, is located in an area that remains restricted to civilians due to unexploded ordnance left by militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) in 2017.
During the five-month battle that took place after the militant takeover in 2017, over 1,200 militants, soldiers, police, and civilians lost their lives. The military eventually regained control of the lakeshore enclave where the university is located. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strongly condemned the attack, stating that those who commit acts of violence against innocent people will always be seen as enemies of society. He expressed his condolences to the victims and their families and assured them that government assistance would be provided.
Medical Chief Shalimar Sani-Rakiin of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi reported that four people were pronounced dead, seven suffered serious injuries, and around 40 others were treated for less serious injuries and released. A university student who was treated at the hospital recounted that the bomb exploded during the first Bible reading, causing panic and chaos as everyone rushed to escape the scene.
Marawi, along with other parts of the southern Philippines, is known as a Muslim stronghold in the predominantly Catholic nation. The region has experienced years of violent rebellions by Islamic militant groups. The Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., suggested that the attack might be a retaliatory strike for a government offensive that killed 11 militants from the local Daulah Islamiyah cell. However, no specific suspects have been named by investigators.
In addition to the Marawi gymnasium attack, military forces killed two militants named Mudzimar Sawadjaan and Jalandoni Lucsadato in separate coordinated actions. Mudzimar Sawadjaan, also known as Mundi, was identified as a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group and was considered the mastermind behind twin suicide bombings in August 2020 and a previous suicide bombing in Jolo in 2019.
The international community strongly condemned the attack, with European Union Ambassador Luc Veron stating that violence has no place in schools. U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also expressed condolences and support for holding the perpetrators accountable.
The 11 militants killed in a government offensive on Friday were members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which openly supports the Islamic State. The BIFF has been responsible for various attacks, including bombings in public areas, but was not linked to the Marawi attack led by the Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups.
Overall, the attack on the university gymnasium in Marawi highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism in the southern Philippines and the challenges faced by the government in maintaining peace and security in the region..