Deadly Explosion During Catholic Mass at Philippine University Sparks Terrorism Investigation

Edited by: TJVNews.com

A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday at Mindanao State University in Marawi, southern Philippines, when an explosion during a Catholic mass in the university gymnasium claimed the lives of four individuals and left dozens wounded, as was reported by The Guardian of the UK.  Authorities are currently investigating the blast, with suspicions of an improvised explosive device (IED) or grenade attack.

Regional police director Brig Gen Allan Nobleza stated, “We’re investigating if it’s an IED or grenade throwing,” the Guardian reported. The explosion occurred during Catholic mass, causing panic among worshippers. Three women were among the four killed, and around 50 others were brought to two hospitals for treatment of mostly minor injuries, according to Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, the regional military commander and reported on by The Guardian.

Taha Mandangan, the security chief of the university campus, described the incident as an act of terrorism, emphasizing that it was” not a simple feud between two individuals. “A bomb will kill everybody around,” Mandangan told the Associated Press. The report in The Guardian also said that at least two of the wounded were reportedly in critical condition.

Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, initiating an investigation while checking security cameras for clues about the attackers, as was noted in The Guardian report. One angle being pursued is the possibility of revenge by pro-Islamic State militants. Marawi had experienced a five-month siege by Islamist militants in 2017.

The Philippine military reported that it had killed 11 militants, including members of Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines, a pro-Islamic State group, in a military operation the day before the university attack in Maguindanao del Sur province, the report in The Guardian said.

Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. condemned the violent bombing incident, stating, “Terroristic attacks on educational institutions must also be condemned because these are places that promote the culture of peace.”

“I condemn the violent bombing incident that transpired this morning,” Adiong Jr, said in a statement.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra urged unity among the Muslim and Christian communities in the face of this tragedy. “Our city has long been a beacon of peaceful coexistence and harmony, and we will not allow such acts of violence to overshadow our collective commitment to peace and unity,” Gandamra emphasized, according to the report in The Guardian of the UK.

Mindanao State University released a statement on Facebook expressing deep sadness and condemnation of the “senseless and horrific act” that occurred during the religious gathering. As investigations unfold, the incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by certain regions in the Philippines and the imperative of fostering unity in the aftermath of such tragic events.