Police investigate the scene of an explosion during a Catholic mass at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi, Philippines, on Sunday Photo: LANAO DEL SUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT /Via Reuters
At least three people were killed and dozens wounded when a bomb exploded during a Catholic mass in the rebel-hit southern Philippines on Sunday. President Ferdinand Marcos blamed it on “foreign terrorists.”
The explosion occurred during a regular service at the Mindanao State University Gymnasium in Marawi, the country's largest Muslim city, regional police chief Allan Nobleza said.
“We are investigating whether it is an IED or a grenade. throwing,” Mr. Nobleza said, referring to an improvised explosive device.
Mindanao State University issued a statement condemning the “act of violence” as it suspended classes and sent more security personnel to campus.
“We stand in solidarity with our Christian community and everyone affected by this tragedy. “, the university reported.
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. visits the wounded in the hospital after the massive explosion Photo: Lanao del Sur Provincial Government/via Reuters
Mr Nobleza said three people were killed, and Lanao del Sur provincial governor Mamintal Adiong told reporters that “more than 40” of the wounded were being treated in hospital.
Photos posted on the Lanao del Sur government Facebook page showed several cancellations. plastic chairs and debris around a black stain on the gymnasium floor.
University student Chris Jurado, 21, told AFP from his hospital bed that the explosion occurred during the first Bible reading of morning mass at 7am. .
“It was really sudden and everyone started running,” Mr. Jurado said. “When I looked back, people were lying on the floor. We didn't know what happened because it all happened so quickly.”
Rowena May Fernandez, 19, said she didn't know what the explosion was at first – then others started running.
“My friend and I also ran, although at some point we fell to the ground. That was the only thing I remembered until I left the gym and fell again,” she said from the hospital.
President Marcos condemned the attack by “foreign terrorists,” calling it “senseless” and “disgusting.” .
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra called on members of the Muslim and Christian communities to remain united.
“Our city has long been a beacon of peaceful coexistence and harmony, and we will not allow such acts of violence to eclipse our collective commitment to peace and unity,” Mr. Gandamra said in a statement.
Mr. Nobleza said police were investigating whether the explosion was retaliation for a Philippine military airstrike on Friday that killed 11 Islamist militants from the Dawla Islamiyah organization. Philippines” in Mindanao.
On Saturday, the military said the group was planning to stage attacks in Maguindanao del Sur province.
A soldier talks to one of the wounded being treated at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi after the attack. Photo: MERLIN MANOS/AFP via Getty Images
Another line of inquiry was whether remnants of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf militant groups that held Marawi under siege in 2017 were involved, Mr. Nobleza said.
The Philippine military retook the devastated city after five The month-long battle has claimed more than a thousand lives since it was overrun by hundreds of pro-Islamic foreign and local fighters in May 2017.
Medical workers treat a wounded man at the Amai Pakpak Health Center in Marawi after the attack. Photo: MERLIN MANOS/AFP via Getty Images
The country's Muslim minority gained self-rule under former President Rodrigo Duterte. efforts to prevent the temptation of violent extremism.
In 2014, Manila signed a peace treaty with the country's largest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, ending their deadly armed insurgency.
< p>However, small groups of Muslim militants opposed to the peace deal remain, including militants who claim allegiance to the Islamic State group.
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