'foreign element' in Marawi bomb attack - DND
By J.Lo
"Mere fact that she is unidentified does not lead us to conclude anything before she is properly identified…we have to identify her first and backtrack," Philippine authorities said there were strong indications pointing to involvement of "foreign element" in deadly bombing at Mindanao State University in Muslim-majority city of Marawi.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned "senseless and most heinous" bombing attack during Catholic Mass at MSU's Dimaparo gymnasium, attributing it to "foreign terrorists." Blast killed at least four people and wounded 50 others.
In briefing, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said there was "strong" evidence of "foreign element" being involved in attack.
Teodoro refrained from disclosing information about potential perpetrator to avoid hampering ongoing investigations by Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
When asked about whether unidentified fatality was the "foreign element," defense chief " cannot say so."
Council for Climate and Conflict Action Asia said too early to make conclusions or assign blame to any individual or group at this time.
"We also call for calm and reflection amid attempts to polarize situation and sow seeds of Muslim-Christian conflict," group said, noting "alarming" rise in calls for revenge and hate speech on ground and on social media.
Police Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, chief of PNP directorial staff, said improvised explosive device (IED) was used in the attack.
"Our explosives and ordnance units from PNP and AFP conducting post-blast investigation gathered fragments of 60-millimeter mortar coming from IED…we're undergoing investigations on who the possible suspects are," Peralta said.
Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said authorities are investigating whether blast in Marawi may have been revenge attack for recent military operations against Islamist militant groups Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines, Abu Sayyaf and Maute.
"We believe that leads we have gathered so far, large percentage points to Maute-ISIS…but we want to make sure who perpetrator really is so we can run after them," he said.
Blast occurred six years after hundreds of pro-Islamic State foreign and local gunmen seized Marawi. Philippine military reclaimed city after five-month battle resulted in loss of over thousand lives.
MSU has suspended classes until further notice and deployed additional security personnel to safeguard campus.
"We stand in solidarity with our Christian community and all those affected by this tragedy," it said.
Bangsamoro government Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim condemned "atrocious and cowardly acts" and called on public to "reject violence and all forms of extremism."
"As reports come in throughout the day, I enjoin all of us to remain calm, circumspect, and conscientious in our collective efforts to ensure that the horrific events of this morning are not further compounded by inaccurate, unvetted, and unofficial information, rest assured we will bring perpetrators of this ruthless act to justice," Marcos said.
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, on the other hand, urged Filipinos, especially those from Mindanao to remain calm as authorities conduct an investigation. But she also called for viligance to prevent possible further attack on civilians.
"We should stand strong in the face of challenges and the ongoing threat of terrorism," Duterte said.
Ebrahim said MSU is academic institution that has always welcomed people of different faiths.
"We must see to it that this tradition will endure these times of tribulations," he said.
In a separate statement, the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education stressed it stands firmly against violence in educational institutions, supposed to be safe spaces for learning and growth.
"We shall continue to advocate for the safety and well-being of all students, faculty members, and school personnel in Bangsamoro and rest of the country," ministry said.
Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra urged members of city's Muslim and Christian communities to remain unified.
"Our city has long been beacon of peaceful coexistence and harmony, and we will not allow such acts of violence to overshadow our collective commitment to peace and unity," he said.
Police BGen Allan Nobleza, regional director of the Bangsamoro police, said authorities are investigating range of motives, including possible retaliation by ISIS-inspired group Dawlah Islamiyah. Airstrike launched by military Friday killed 11 militants from Dawlah Islamiyah.
He also said ordnance disposal experts are working to determine type of improvised explosive device used in the attack.
Blast occurred six years after hundreds of pro-Islamic State foreign and local gunmen seized Marawi, country's largest Muslim city. Philippine military reclaimed the city after five-month battle that resulted in the loss of over thousand lives.
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