A powerful explosion believed to have been caused by a bomb rocked a Catholic Mass at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, a predominantly Muslim city in the southern Philippines. The blast occurred in the morning while the Mass was taking place in a gymnasium, causing panic among students and teachers. At least four people were killed, including three women, and dozens of others were wounded, with two in critical condition. Campus security chief Taha Mandangan quickly labeled the incident an act of terrorism, emphasizing that it was not a personal feud but a deliberate attack intended to cause mass casualties.

The explosion sent shockwaves throughout Marawi City and prompted a security alarm across the country as the Christmas season began. The Philippine coast guard immediately ordered intensified intelligence gathering and stricter inspections of passenger ferries, as well as the deployment of bomb-sniffing dogs and sea marshals. The coast guard chief, Admiral Ronnie Gavan, emphasized the importance of maintaining public service despite the barbaric act.

Presidential adviser Carlito Galvez strongly condemned the bombing, which took place during a Mass, expressing concern over the ruthless methods employed by these lawless elements. Galvez insisted that such acts would not be tolerated. Authorities set up security checkpoints around Marawi City and launched an investigation, focusing on potential involvement by Muslim militants who still operate in the region.

Regional police director Brig. Allan Nobleza revealed that investigators were assessing whether the explosion resulted from a homemade bomb or a grenade. They were also examining any possible connections to the recent killing of 11 suspected Islamic militants during a military offensive. The slain militants were members of the armed group Dawlah Islamiyah, which had aligned itself with the Islamic State group and maintained a presence in Lanao del Sur province where Marawi City is located.

Marawi City, known for its mosques, previously underwent a five-month siege by Islamic militants aligned with the Islamic State group in 2017. This resulted in more than 1,100 deaths, primarily militants, before Filipino forces, with support from the United States and Australia, successfully quelled the siege. The southern Philippines has long been plagued by separatist rebellion, with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front being the largest armed insurgent group. Although a peace deal was signed with the government in 2014, smaller armed groups continue to carry out attacks, evading government offensives.

Sunday's explosion at the university gymnasium highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the region, as well as the delicate balance between religious and educational institutions that remain at risk. Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur province condemned the attack, calling for a thorough investigation into the assault on both educational institutions and religious freedom. As investigations continue, authorities have remained on high alert and urged vigilance among troops to prevent further attacks.