A Timeline of the Mindanao State University Bombing in Marawi City
Esquiremag.phJan 01, 1970
IS Claims Responsibility for Deadly Catholic Mass Bombing in Philippines
Photo: Jes Aznar/Getty Images
The Facts
The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility via its Telegram channel for a bombing attack on a gymnasium at Mindanao State University in Marawi, in the southern Philippines, during a Catholic Mass on Sunday morning. At least four were killed and 50 others injured in the blast.
Philippine Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had earlier blamed foreign terrorists for the deadly attack, with military chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. adding that the explosion could be a retaliation for the killing of 11 Islamic militants in a military operation on Friday in the province of Manguidanao del Sur.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Foreign terrorists have played a significant role in this disgraceful attack, which comes immediately after the pro-Islamic State groups in the southern Philippines suffered a heavy setback. As Manilla takes decisive steps to defeat Islamic militants once and for all, those who once were able to seize Marawi City are now launching desperate attacks against innocent worshippers. This tragedy reflects the decline of IS in the region.
Establishment-critical narrative
This heinous bombing exposes the Philippine government's failure to prevent terror activities in Mindanao. First and foremost, security agencies blundered their intelligence gathering. Additionally, delays in rehabilitation efforts in Marawi have given terrorists a platform to spread propaganda in a bid to convince others to back them. Authorities should be doing more to prevent attacks like these and protect innocent lives.
Nerd narrative
There is a 20% chance that the Philippines will experience a successful coup d'etat before 2040, according to the Metaculus prediction community.