Authorities in the Philippines have launched a manhunt for four men, including two individuals linked to a local militant group, in connection with the deadly bombing of a Catholic mass in Marawi, the country’s largest Muslim city. The attack, which occurred on Sunday inside a university gymnasium, resulted in the death of four people and left 50 others wounded. The Islamic State group later claimed responsibility for the bombing.
President Ferdinand Marcos has attributed the assault to “foreign terrorists.” The Philippine National Police has identified two Filipino men, both with criminal records that include murder, who were seen by witnesses inside the gymnasium prior to the explosion. According to Colonel Jean Fajardo, the Philippine National Police spokesperson, their suspicious behavior has led to the suspicion that they may be involved in the attack.
The identities of the other two men and the motive behind the bombing have not yet been established. Fajardo revealed that the two Filipino suspects belong to a militant group that has been previously involved in bombing incidents in Mindanao, but she declined to disclose the group’s name.
General Romeo Brawner, the army chief, has suggested that the attack may be a retaliatory act for recent military operations against three militant groups: Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines, Abu Sayyaf, and Maute. Brawner also mentioned that one of these operations resulted in the killing of an Abu Sayyaf “bomb expert” who was allegedly responsible for a deadly attack on a cathedral in Jolo in 2019.
In 2017, Marawi was under siege by pro-Islamic State Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants, including foreign and local fighters. The Philippine military successfully regained control of the city after a five-month battle that claimed over 1,000 lives.
Despite the bombing, Brawner denied any intelligence failure and emphasized the need for enhanced security measures. The military had previously warned local security forces, government officials, and the public about possible retaliatory attacks. Brawner stated that investigations are ongoing, including looking into reports that the terror group ISIS may be behind the bombing at the Mindanao State University gym.
The improvised explosive device (IED) used in the attack was based on a 60 mm mortar round coupled with a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) round, according to military and police explosive experts. Brawner highlighted the power of this IED once detonated, but also stated that there were no indications of a suicide bombing, as there were no remnants of body parts or traces of a device that could have triggered the bomb remotely.
Following the attack, Brawner urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in countering such incidents.
As the investigation continues and the manhunt intensifies, authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and ensure the safety and security of the people in Marawi and the rest of the country.
Source: The Manila Times
