2023-12-03T04:41:58+00:00
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/ The authorities announced today, Sunday, that at least three people were killed and others injured in a bomb attack on a Catholic mass in the southern Philippines.
Local police chief Alan Nobleza said the explosion occurred during a regular mass at the gymnasium of Mindanao State University in Marawi, the country’s largest Muslim city.
“We are investigating whether it was an explosive device or a hand grenade,” Nobleza said, referring to an improvised explosive device.
He reported that the number of victims of the explosion had risen to 4 dead and more than 40 wounded.
The Mindanao State University issued a statement condemning the “act of violence,” and said in a statement: “We stand in solidarity with our Christian community and all those affected by this tragedy.” Classes were also suspended and additional security personnel were deployed on campus.
The incident came after the Philippine army launched an air strike on Friday, killing 11 Philippine ISIS members in Mindanao.
The military said Saturday that the group was planning attacks in Maguindanao del Sur province.
Nobleza indicated that police were investigating whether Sunday’s attack was linked to the air strike that occurred on Friday.