A bomb attack during a Catholic mass in the southern Philippines on Sunday resulted in at least three deaths and seven injuries, according to officials. The incident occurred at Mindanao State University’s gymnasium in Marawi, the country’s largest Muslim city, during a regular service, as reported by regional police Chief Allan Nobleza.
“We’re investigating whether it’s an IED or a grenade attack,” stated Nobleza, referring to an improvised explosive device. Mindanao State University denounced the violence in a statement, suspending classes and increasing security on the campus. The university expressed solidarity with the Christian community and all those affected by the tragedy.
Governor Mamintal Adiong visited wounded victims at a medical facility, as shown in photos on the Lanao del Sur provincial government’s Facebook page. The incident followed a military airstrike on Friday that targeted and killed 11 Islamist militants associated with the Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines organization in Mindanao. The military reported that the group had planned attacks in Maguindanao del Sur province.
Chief Nobleza mentioned that the police are investigating a possible connection between Sunday’s attack and the Friday airstrike.
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