Philppines Terror Attack: Four Lives Lost in Catholic Mass Bombing
Four individuals have lost their lives and 50 more were injured during a deplorable act of terrorism. This horrifying incident occurred at a Catholic mass within a gymnasium located at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi, a city known for its past struggles with criminality and terrorism. The police and military confirmed this tragedy, reporting the explosion was likely caused by a homemade bomb.
Major General Gabriel Viray, the division commander of the army, suggested the culprit behind this heinous crime could be the infamous Islamist group Daulah Islamija Maute. The incident took place approximately 800 kilometers south of the Philippines' capital, Manila.
Following the attack, Allan Nobleza, the regional police director, hinted that the blast may have been retaliation for the deaths of 11 Daulah Islamija Maute group members during a military offensive in nearby Maguindanao province on a prior Friday.
Triumphantly, Marawi City stood strong in the aftermath of the five-month siege in 2017. Over 1,200 lives lost, including civilians, resulted from the conflict that turned Marawi into rubble and left around 200,000 individuals displaced.
Exploring Past Battles
The conflict began on May 23, 2017, in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, Philippines, involving the Philippine government forces against Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated militant groups, including Maute and Abu Sayyaf. These combatants aimed to establish a wilayat (province) of the Islamic State in Lanao del Sur, declaring Marawi as a province under the Islamic State.
The clash kicked off when Philippine security forces attempted to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of Abu Sayyaf. Hapilon requested assistance from the Maute group, leading to a firefight between government forces and militants.
The Maute group and Abu Sayyaf took control of various institutions in Marawi, including the city hall, Mindanao State University, a hospital, and a prison. They wreaked havoc on the city, burning buildings such as churches and schools.
Foreign terrorists, including two Malaysians, an Indonesian, and an Arab Saudi, were purportedly engaged in this conflict.
Responding to the Tragedy
Government forces, including the Army and Air Force, introduced a series of operations targeting militant positions in Marawi, cautious to minimize civilian casualties.
By May 29, 2017, the conflict left over 100 individuals dead, including 19 civilians and 61 militants. Authorities rescued 14 hostages from the Maute group during the conflict.
Moving Forward
This tragedy has critical implications for the peace process in the region, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). According to sources, ISIS's continued attacks could potentially derail the peace process headed for BARMM's first elections next year.
The resilience of ISIS-affiliated groups in the Philippines raises concerns regarding regional security.
Since August 2024, ISIS has reportedly conducted multiple operations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. These attacks are intended to highlight the Philippines as a "field of jihad" and urge Muslims worldwide to support their cause.
To combat these dangerous groups, collaboration between local and international authorities is crucial. Investigating these recent developments is essential to understand the underlying motivations and counter potential threats to regional security.
