A terrorist attack in Marawi (the Islamic City of Marawi) targeted a Catholic mass, which was conducted by the Mindanao State University on Sunday, Dec. 3. Local authorities said that terrorists bombed an MSU gymnasium in the Province of Lanao del Sur; the bombing attack has been claimed by ISIS (The Islamic State) terrorists.
As of writing, the Philippine National Police said that it is actively working with the Marawi City Police Station, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Marawi, and the Task Force Marawi to conduct further investigation.
Marawi Terrorist Bombing of MSU Catholic Mass Condemned by US
Rescue personnel remove weights securing a tarp over a vehicle transporting the corpses of dead civilians retrieved near the frontline in the outskirts of Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao on June 28, 2017.
According to Yahoo News' latest report, the latest terrorist bombing in Marawi also saddened the United States. The American government condemned the deadly attack through the U.S. Department of State.
"The United States condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack that occurred today during a Catholic service being held at Mindanao State University in Marawi, the Philippines," said the U.S. State Department via its official press statement.
"We mourn those killed in the attack, and our thoughts are with the injured," the department added.
The U.S. government confirmed that it is already in close contact with its Philippine partners, promising that it will stand with Filipinos to reject this kind of violent act.
Aside from the U.S. government, Pope Francis was also saddened by the Marawi bombing incident. In a telegram message sent to Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña, the supreme pontiff said that he's praying that all might turn from violence and overcome evil with good.
Marawi Bombing Kills 4, Injures Over 40
Black smoke billows from burning houses after Philippine airforce attack planes dropped bombs during the an aerial bombing at Muslim militants position in Marawi on June 24, 2017, as fighting between government troops and militants continue one month after the conflict began on May 23.
PNP officials said that the bombing, which happened at 7:00 a.m. local time on Dec. 3, killed four individuals and injured over 40 other people.
They said that medical attention was immediately provided to dead victims' families and those who suffered serious injuries. As the investigation continues, authorities asked the public to stop spreading unverified information regarding the terrorist attack.
The PNP is asking for the cooperation of Filipinos nationwide so that their investigation will not be hindered by misinformation.
The law enforcement department thanked those who made efforts to share relevant and verified details that can contribute to the resolution of the MSU gymnasium bombing.
The Philippine National Police promised that they would prioritize the safety and security of citizens as they try to attain justice.
Related Article: Philippines: At Least 4 Dead in Explosion During Catholic Mass in Marawi
