Political situation in the Philippines

Details: IS behind bomb that killed four at fair  

 

At least three people have been killed and over 50 injured after a bomb exploded at a Catholic Mass in Marawi, Philippines, several media reports.  

 

According to the New York Times, Philippine authorities say they suspect that people with links to the terrorist group IS are behind the attack. 

 

IS besieged Marawi in 2017 and in the five months of fighting that followed, an estimated 1,200 people died.  

 

- We are on high alert and our troops are vigilant, says Gabriel Viray III, a local commander in the Philippine army, to the New York Times. 

 

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The mayor: The city a beacon for coexistence 

 

Mayor Majul Gandarma is calling on Muslims and Christians in Marawi to stand united against the violence following the bombing that killed at least four people and injured over 50 today. 

 

- Our city has long been a beacon for peaceful coexistence and harmony, and we will not allow acts of violence to overshadow our common commitment to peace and unity, he says.  

 

In a statement, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned the attack, which he described as "a senseless and heinous act carried out by foreign terrorists." 

 

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The earthquake in the Philippines  

Pregnant woman died when concrete wall collapsed 

 

A pregnant woman was killed in the earthquake in the Philippines on Saturday, reports the AP news agency. She was hit by a falling concrete wall as she and her family tried to get out of their house in Tagum City. The woman's daughter and husband were injured.  

 

A 30-year-old man in the town of Bislig also died after an interior wall collapsed on top of him, writes AFP.  

 

The earthquake occurred on Saturday evening and was followed by strong aftershocks. Tsunami warnings were issued in several places, but were later withdrawn.

 

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The conflict in the South China Sea  

The Philippines is concerned by 135 Chinese military vessels 

 

The Philippines states that more than 135 Chinese military ships are flocking off the country's coast, writes AFP.  

 

The Philippine Coast Guard describes the presence as alarming and illegal. The Chinese vessels are said not to have responded to calls. 

 

ships are to be located near the Whitsun Reef, more than 100 miles from the nearest Chinese island and 32 miles from the Philippine island of Palawan.