Three killed in explosion during religious service in the Philippines

According to media reports, three people died in an explosion during a Catholic church service in the southern Philippines on Sunday. The mass took place early in the morning at the sports hall of the University of Marawi, in the province of Lanao del Sur, on the island of Mindanao, nine other people were injured. Marawi was under siege for five months in 2017 by supporters of the Islamic terrorist organization Islamic State.

On Friday, the Philippine military reportedly killed eleven militant fighters, including Filipino IS supporters, in an operation in the southern province of Maguindanao del Sur. Authorities are now investigating whether the explosion at the university could be a possible act of revenge by Islamic State, regional police director Brigadier General Allan Nobleza told reporters.

Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. condemned the attack in a statement. Educational institutions are places that promote a culture of peace. The university also expressed its horror and strongly condemned the act on social media. Classes would be suspended until further notice.