Heinous Terrorist Attack in Marawi: Lanao Del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. Among Victims Killed in Catholic Mass Bombing

ASEAN Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack in the Philippines

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has issued a strong condemnation of a recent terrorist attack in the southern Philippines. The bombing occurred during a Catholic Mass at a university gymnasium in Marawi, a city that was devastated by an occupation by Islamic State loyalists in 2017.

The attack, which took place on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of four people. Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the bombing, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suggested that “foreign terrorists” were behind the incident. Police are currently investigating the attack and validating the claim made by the Islamic State group.

ASEAN expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims in a statement, referring to the attack as a “heinous terrorist act.” The regional bloc has been increasingly concerned about the influence of extremist groups in Southeast Asia, particularly those affiliated with the Islamic State.

Authorities have identified two members of the local group Daulah-Islamiyah Maute as suspects in the attack. This group was involved in the 2017 occupation of Marawi alongside fighters from Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries.

In a separate development, the Philippine military announced the arrest of a man suspected of placing the bomb in the gymnasium. The arrest took place in Marawi on December 6, and the suspect was identified by witnesses.

The recent attack in Marawi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in the region. ASEAN has pledged to continue working together to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its member states.

Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Writing by Martin Petty

Note: This article has been rewritten using different sentences and simplified British English.