Police investigate the scene of an explosion during a Catholic Mass in a gymnasium at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Philippines, on Sunday CREDIT: LANAO DEL SUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT/Via Reuters
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff &Agencies
MANILA, Philippines (AP) – A bomb explosion ripped through a Catholic Mass in the southern Philippines on Sunday, killing four people, wounding dozens of others, and sparking a security alarm across the country.
The suspected bomb detonated during a morning Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, a predominantly Muslim area in the south. The blast, reportedly caused by a mortar round, struck students and teachers gathered in a gymnasium, leaving a trail of devastation.
Casualties and Response
The explosion left four people dead, including three women, and injured over 50 others. Six of the wounded were in critical condition, battling for their lives in a local hospital.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. swiftly condemned the attack, labeling it a “senseless and most heinous act” perpetrated by foreign terrorists. He vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating terrorism.
Investigation and Suspects
Military and police authorities launched an investigation into the bombing, cordoning off the university and examining security footage for clues. Fragments of a 60mm mortar round were recovered at the scene, suggesting the involvement of Islamic militants.
The attack raised concerns about a possible resurgence of militancy in the region, as some officials speculated that it could be a retaliatory strike by extremist groups following recent military offensives against militants.
Heightened Security Measures
In response to the bombing, security forces were put on heightened alert across the country, particularly in metropolitan Manila. The Philippine Coast Guard intensified intelligence gathering, stepped up inspections of passenger ferries, and deployed bomb-sniffing dogs and sea marshals.
The blast underscored the ongoing security challenges in the southern Philippines, where separatist rebellions have plagued the region for decades. Despite a 2014 peace deal with the largest insurgent group, smaller armed factions continue to carry out attacks, adding to the region’s instability.
The bombing at Mindanao State University served as a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremism in the southern Philippines, casting a shadow over the upcoming Christmas season, a time of peace and celebration for many.