ISIS has claimed responsibility for the bombing during a Catholic mass in the southern Philippines that resulted in at least four deaths and numerous injuries.
The explosion occurred at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, previously the site of a five-month siege by pro-ISIS militants in 2017, leading to over 1,000 casualties.
In a statement on Telegram, ISIL asserted that their adherents, termed “soldiers of the caliphate,” detonated an explosive device at a large gathering of Christians in Marawi City.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr denounced the “senseless and heinous acts” carried out by foreign terrorists.
Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro noted signs of involvement by foreign elements, which was echoed by the United States State Department condemning the terrorist attack and expressing solidarity with the Philippines against violence.
The attack was suggested to potentially be a response to a military operation 200km away that resulted in the death of 11 Islamist rebels, as indicated by Philippine security officials on Sunday.
Meanwhile, police on Monday revealed they were investigating two individuals of interest related to the bombing.
Mindanao State University expressed deep sorrow over the incident, suspending classes indefinitely. The island of Mindanao has long endured violence due to insurgency by separatist groups.
Despite a peace agreement signed with the largest separatist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, in 2014, smaller factions continue to instigate attacks across the region.
Source-Aljazeera
