The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a bomb attack at a Catholic Mass in the southern Philippines that killed four people and injured dozens. The explosion occurred at a gymnasium in Marawi City, which was previously taken over by militants linked to IS. The United States has condemned the attack and is in close contact with the Philippine government. Philippine security officials are still investigating the incident to identify the terrorist group involved. Benar News reported
Counter-terrorism experts have stated that the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a bomb attack at a Catholic Mass in the southern Philippines. The explosion occurred at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi city, which was previously taken over by militants linked to IS. The battle for control of the city resulted in numerous casualties before the military regained control. IS released a statement on its website claiming that their soldiers detonated the explosive device during a gathering of Christians in Marawi. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. blamed foreign terrorists for the attack, and the United States has condemned the violence. Philippine security officials are still investigating the incident and focusing on the bomb signature to identify the terrorist group involved..
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a bomb attack at a Catholic Mass in the southern Philippines, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuring dozens. The explosion took place at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi city, which was previously taken over by militants linked to IS in 2017. During the five-month battle that ensued, over 1,200 militants, soldiers, police, and civilians lost their lives before the military regained control of the city.
IS released a statement on its website, declaring that “soldiers of the Caliphate detonated an explosive device on a large gathering of Christians…in the city of Marawi.” Counter-terrorism experts from the SITE Intelligence Group confirmed IS’ claim. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attributed the attack to foreign terrorists without providing further details.
The United States has condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Filipino people in rejecting such acts of violence. A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of State mourned the loss of lives and expressed concern for the injured.
Although IS claimed responsibility, Philippine security officials are still investigating, focusing on the bomb signature to identify the terrorist group behind the attack. Military experts who examined the gymnasium after the blast discovered fragments of an improvised bomb commonly used by local militants in the southern region.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, stated that they are validating IS’ claims and investigating the involvement of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group, which is associated with IS. Trinidad assured the public that heightened security measures are in place to ensure safety and that those responsible for the attack will be apprehended and neutralized.
As for the casualties, seven civilians wounded in the bombing are still receiving treatment in hospitals, while approximately 40 others with less serious injuries have been discharged.
The U.S. government remains in close contact with Philippine authorities following the attack. The U.S. is the Philippines’ main ally in counter-terrorism efforts in the region, and American troops are stationed at military bases in the south. In 2017, a small team of U.S. soldiers was sent to Marawi to aid in coordinating bombing strikes against enemy targets by Filipino forces.
The Philippine military chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., suggested that the bombing might be a retaliatory act against operations targeting local extremist groups associated with IS. Recent actions by security forces in Maguindanao resulted in the killing of 11 Muslim militants identified as members of a local Daulah Islamiyah cell. Additionally, the military reported the deaths of two Islamic militants, Mundi Sawadjaan and Jalandoni Lucsadato, in coordinated actions.
Authorities have identified Mundi as a sub-leader of the IS-linked Abu Sayyaf group and the nephew of the late Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who was believed to be the group’s leader until his death in 2020. Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan was responsible for orchestrating a bombing at a Catholic church in Jolo in January 2019, which claimed the lives of 23 people.
While the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, the southern part of the archipelago, particularly Mindanao, has a predominantly Muslim population.
Pope Francis sent his prayers to the Filipino people, urging them to overcome evil with good. His message was relayed through the Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña.
This report was contributed by Jeoffrey Maitem and Mark Navales from Cotabato City, southern Philippines..