At least four people have been killed and dozens more injured in an explosion that struck a Sunday Mass service in the gymnasium of the University of the Philippines Visayas, located in Iloilo City.
The blast occurred at around 8:30am local time, when hundreds of people had gathered for the service. According to police, the explosion was caused by a bomb that was detonated inside the gymnasium.
Police are still uncertain as to the motive behind the attack, however it is being speculated that the bombing may have been a targeted attack on the university, which is well known for its opposition to several local politicians and government policies.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing a plume of smoke in the air, followed by a chaotic scene as people scrambled to leave the gymnasium in a rush.
The blast killed four people, including the University’s chaplain, Father Flortemon Villamin, and injured over 40 others. Many of those injured are being treated at nearby hospitals and currently in stable condition.
The local government has increased its security in the area, and the police are still conducting investigations to determine who was behind the bombing.
The incident has caused an outpouring of grief and shock in the area, as well as outrage over the attack. In a statement, the university condemned the violence and expressed its condolences for those affected by the tragedy.
This bombing marks the second attack of its kind this year in the area; the first occurred at a public market in Bacolod in February.
We can only hope that justice will be served and that those responsible for this senseless act of violence will be brought to justice.