At Least Four Killed and Fifty Injured in Bomb Explosion During Catholic Mass in Marawi, Philippines

At least four people were killed and fifty injured after a bomb exploded during a Catholic Mass in Marawi, a city in the south of the Philippines, on Sunday. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr condemned the attack, blaming “foreign terrorists” for the incident.

The bomb went off during a regular service at Mindanao State University’s gymnasium in Marawi, the country’s largest Muslim city, according to regional police Chief Allan Nobleza. At least three people were killed and seven wounded in the attack, officials said.

Mindanao State University issued a statement condemning “the act of violence” and suspended classes on the campus. The university also deployed additional security personnel to ensure safety.

President Marcos said in a statement that he “condemns in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists.” He also said that law enforcement operations will be conducted to bring the perpetrators of the “terrorist activity” to justice.

The bombing in Marawi is a reminder of the five-month siege by Islamist militants in 2017. The Philippine government is now strengthening security in the country’s south and around the capital Manila in response to the attack.