Philippines: At least four dead in a bombing during a Catholic mass

At least four people were killed and dozens more were injured in a bombing during a Catholic mass at the Mindanao State University, in the south of the Philippines. This area is home to several insurgent groups, according to police reports in statements collected by AFP.

Police Lieutenant General Emmanuel Peralta reported that four people were killed and about 50 injured in the explosion caused by an explosive device. An earlier report indicated that there were three dead.

The explosion occurred during a mass that was being celebrated this Sunday in the gymnasium at Mindanao State University, in Marawi, the largest Muslim city in the country, according to the regional police chief, Allan Nobleza. He said that "more than 40" people were being treated in the hospital with injuries. The police chief announced that authorities were investigating whether the attack occurred with an improvised explosive device or if someone threw a grenade.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos condemned the attack, which he blamed on "foreign terrorists."

Possible Islamist attack

The incident occurred after the Philippine armed forces launched an airstrike last Friday that killed 11 Islamist fighters from the Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines organization in Mindanao.

The military indicated Saturday that the group planned to organize attacks in Maguindanao del Sur province. Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Sur are part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, on the Muslim island of Mindanao. The region has experienced attacks on buses, Catholic churches and public markets for decades.

Regional police chief Allan Nobleza said authorities are investigating whether what happened this Sunday is related to Friday's air attack.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday afternoon, EFE reported.