Islamic State claims responsibility for Philippines bombing

The attack took place at a university gym in Marawi, a city in the southern Philippines that was besieged by Islamist militants for five months in 2017. The Islamic State group, which has influence in the southern Philippines, said on Telegram that its members detonated the bomb.

Authorities at the scene of the incident. Photo: Reuters

On Sunday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned "the most senseless and heinous acts committed by foreign terrorists." Police and the military have stepped up security in the south of the country and around the capital Manila.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told a news conference that law enforcement operations would be determined to bring the perpetrators of the "terrorist activity" to justice.

Mr Teodoro said there were “clear signs of a foreign element” in the bombing and declined to provide details so as not to affect the ongoing investigation.

The explosion in Marawi, the capital of Lanao del Sur province, followed a series of military operations against local pro-Islamic State groups in the southern Philippines. “It is possible that what happened this morning was a retaliatory attack,” Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner said at a press conference after the incident.

Philippine Defense Minister Gilbert Teodoro (center) holds a press conference to announce information about the incident and call for increased security following the terrorist attack in the country. Photo: AP

Police offices in Mindanao and the capital region have been put on high alert and police checkpoints have been tightened "to prevent possible further incidents," police official Peralta said.

The coast guard has ordered increased checks on vessels before departure at the country's ports.

Mindanao State University said in a Facebook post 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 university said it is suspending classes until further notice.

Mai Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/khung-bo-is-nhan-trach-nhiem-ve-vu-danh-bom-o-philippines-an-ninh-duoc-tang-cuong-post274996.html