Regional police chief Brigadier General Allan Nobleza told reporters that authorities were investigating the blast at Mindanao State University, adding that one theory being floated was that the bombing was carried out by pro-Islamic State (IS) militants.
Security personnel investigate the scene of the explosion. Photo: Reuters
The explosion occurred in Marawi, a city that was besieged by Islamic militants for five months in 2017.
The Philippine military said on Saturday it killed 11 militants, including members of Dawlah Islamiyah, a pro-Islamic State group, in a military operation a day earlier in Maguindanao del Sur province.
“I condemn the violent bombing that occurred this morning. Terrorist attacks on educational institutions must also be condemned because these are places that promote the culture of peace ,” Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. said in a statement.
Mindanao State University said in a statement on Facebook that it was “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 statement said. The university has now suspended classes until further notice.
Mai Anh (according to Reuters)
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