Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a bomb attack that took place during a Catholic Mass in the southern Philippines, resulting in the deaths of four people and leaving dozens injured. The explosion occurred at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi city, which was previously taken over by militants associated with IS in 2017. The city witnessed a five-month battle that claimed the lives of over 1,200 militants, soldiers, police, and civilians before the military regained control.
IS announced on its website that “soldiers of the Caliphate detonated an explosive device on a large gathering of Christians…in the city of Marawi,” according to the SITE Intelligence Group, an American counterterrorism consultancy. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also blamed foreign terrorists for the attack but did not provide further details.
The United States has condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Filipino people in rejecting such acts of violence. The U.S. Department of State spokesman, Matthew Miller, stated that they mourn the victims and are in close contact with the Philippine government.
Despite IS’ claim of responsibility, Philippine security officials are still investigating the incident, focusing on the bomb signature to identify the terrorist group involved. Ordnance experts examining the gymnasium after the blast found fragments of an improvised bomb commonly used by local militants in the southern region.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, confirmed that they are validating the claims made by IS and investigating the involvement of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group in the attack. Daulah Islamiyah refers to the Islamic State in the local language and comprises fighters from various Filipino militant factions, including the Maute Group, which supported the siege of Marawi in 2017.
The Philippines remains on heightened alert to ensure public safety and bring the perpetrators to justice. Seven civilians wounded in the bombing are still receiving treatment, while around 40 others with less serious injuries have been discharged from the hospital.
The bombing occurred shortly after security forces killed 11 members of a local Daulah Islamiyah cell in Maguindanao province. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, stated that the attack could be a revenge act for operations against local extremist groups linked to IS.
While the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, the southern region of Mindanao has a significant Muslim population. Pope Francis sent his prayers to the Filipino people, urging them to overcome evil with good. The Pope’s message was relayed to Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and the Philippines will continue to work with its international partners, including the United States, in combating terrorism in the region.