Four people were killed and several others were injured when an explosion rocked a Sunday Mass service at the University of Mindanao Gym in the Philippines. The casualties were caused by shrapnel from the blast, which struck the congregation of worshippers. Witnesses said that the blast originated from an 8-meter-long (26-foot-long) pipe device which had been left near the entrance to the gym.
The bombing took place while the Sunday Mass service was taking place inside the gym. The University of Mindanao has been a target of Islamist extremists in the past, but it is not yet clear who is responsible for the attack. It is believed that the bomb had been manually triggered and was intended to cause maximum disruption.
Police investigators are currently on the scene, searching for evidence related to the incident. Some of the injured have been immediately sent to the nearest hospital for medical assistance. The Police are yet to disclose any further information into the nature of the attack.
Many local residents have expressed shock and outrage over the bombing. The Governor of the Philippines, Edgardo Labella, has condemned the attack in the strongest terms possible, stating that “this act of terrorism is unacceptable and must be immediately stopped.” He also called for urgent action to ensure the safety and security of citizens.
This latest incident is just the latest in a long history of violence and terror attacks in the Philippines. In the past six months alone, there have been over two dozen bombings in the country, many targeting religious sites. It is hoped that the government will take immediate action to prevent further attacks and to protect civilians from such senseless brutality.
