Terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing at the Mindanao State University on Sunday, according to news wire Reuters following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s statement which tagged foreign terror groups as the ones responsible.
Marcos has vowed to ruthlessly go after foreign terrorists involved in the bombing which left scores of people dead and 50 injured.
The Philippine National Police has also identified two persons of interest who were reportedly residing in Lanao del Sur, but the identities have yet to be divulged by authorities.
The Islamic State group, which wields influence in the country's south, said on Telegram that its members had detonated the explosive.
Following the deadly bombing, heightened security alerts are now in place in the region and around Metro Manila.
The President earlier assured the public that the government was on top of the situation and helping the victims of the terrorist attack as he extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists upon the Mindanao State University and Marawi communities early this Sunday morning. Extremists who wield violence against the innocent will always be regarded as enemies to our society," Marcos said in a statement.
"I extend my most heartfelt condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and the communities that have been the target of this latest assault on peace. Government assistance to those impacted is ready and forthcoming," the President added.
Marcos stressed that the government is now working closely with the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the concerned local government units for their swift response in what he called the "latest assault on peace."
