At least four people were killed in a bombing of a Catholic Mass at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Philippines, on Sunday.
The blast occurred while the Christian prayers were being held in the school's gymnasium. Dozens of people were wounded, two critically. Three of the fatalities were women, according to local reports. Authorities are investigating whether the explosion was caused by a grenade or a homemade bomb.
Taha Mandangan, who is in charge of security on the university campus, stated that the bombing was an act of terrorism.
“This is clearly an act of terrorism. It’s not a simple feud between two people. A bomb will kill everybody around,” Mandangan told The Associated Press.
Presidential adviser Carlito Galvez “This horrendous attack, which happened during a Mass … shows the ruthless methods that these lawless elements will utilize to sow fear, anger and animosity among our people ... We will not allow this to happen.”
Marawi City is a largely Muslim city. Authorities are investigating if the bombing is connected to the start of the Christmas season or the recent killing of 11 militants from the ISIS-aligned Dawlah Islamiyah organization in military airstrikes. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.