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.
#UPDATE The blast, which killed at least three people and wounded seven others, happened during a regular service at Mindanao State University's gymnasium in Marawi, the country's largest Muslim city, regional police Chief Allan Nobleza said.
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 3, 2023
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."
#UPDATE "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists upon the Mindanao State University (MSU) and Marawi communities early this Sunday morning," President Ferdinand Marcos said in a statement
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 3, 2023
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.
