Police stated that three people were killed and nine others were injured when an explosion swept through a Catholic Mass in a university gymnasium in the southern Philippines on Sunday.
Brigadier General Allan Nobleza, the regional police director, stated that the authorities are investigating the Mindanao State University explosion, adding that one aspect being pursued is possible vengeance by pro-Islamic State militants.
The explosion occurred in Marawi, a city that had been besieged by Islamist operatives for five months in 2017.
The Philippine military stated on Saturday that they had killed 11 operatives, including members of the pro-Islamic state Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines in a military operation the day before in Maguindanao del Sur province.
In a statement, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr stated, “I condemn the violent bombing incident that transpired this morning”.
“Terroristic attacks on educational institutions must also be condemned because these are places that promote the culture of peace”, Governor added.
On Facebook, Mindanao State University wrote, “Mindanao State University is deeply saddened and appalled by the act of violence that occurred during a religious gathering. We unequivocally condemn in the strongest possible terms this senseless and horrific act”.
The university stated that courses would be canceled till further notice.
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