Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 3) — Four people were reported dead and at least 46 were wounded after an explosion at a gymnasium in Marawi City on Sunday morning, the regional police reported.
According to the Police Regional Office of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the blast at the Dimaporo Gymnasium in Mindanao State University occurred at 7 a.m. during the Sunday mass.
As of writing, all injured individuals are at Amai Pakpak Medical Center while the bodies of the victims remain at the site for further investigation.
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Weekend that of the 46 wounded, 38 were already discharged.
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. condemned the “violent bombing incident.”
“To the families of those whose lives were lost in this senseless act of violence and terrorism, please accept our deepest condolences and sympathies. We will make sure justice will be served,” Adiong said in a statement.
House Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman also condemned the blast, calling the incident “plain and simple terrorism.”
“Wala na tayong ibang salita para ilarawan ang karahasan na ginawa sa mga estudyanteng payapang nagdadaos ng misa kanina, isang malayang pagpapahayag ng kanilang relihiyon,” Hataman said in a statement.
[Translation: We have no other words to describe the violence done to students who were peacefully holding mass earlier, a free expression of their religion.]
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Adiong and Hataman urged authorities to immediately investigate the incident.
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said his office will closely coordinate with authorities and extend assistance to the victims.
This story will be updated.
Police Chief Benjamin Acorda said in a press conference that five were in critical condition.
Officials said that classes in MSU would resume on Monday as the situation had been declared to be under control.
Suspects are yet to be identified and their reason for the alleged bombing has not been determined.
