Deadly Bombing in the Philippines

Yesterday, a deadly bombing during a Catholic Mass in Marawi, Philippines, claimed by Islamic State (IS) militants, left at least four dead and 50 injured. The attack occurred in a university gymnasium in a city previously besieged by Islamist militants in 2017. Before IS claimed responsibility, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr condemned the act. Security measures were heightened in the country's south and around Manila, with law enforcement vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro hinted at a possible foreign element in the bombing. 

The blast followed military operations against local pro-IS groups, including the killing of a Dawlah Islamiya-Maute leader on the same day. The Islamic State-linked Maute had previously seized Marawi in 2017, resulting in a five-month battle with significant casualties. Police offices were placed on high alert, checkpoints tightened, and the Coast Guard intensified pre-departure inspections. Mindanao State University, where the incident occurred, suspended classes, condemning the violence. Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims, urging a turn from violence.

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The Remnant's Response

Wise leaders understand that part of their job is to rise “every morning” to “destroy all the wicked of the land, So as to cut off from the city of the LORD all those who do iniquity.” (Psalm 108:8). Executing judgment on wicked communities is the job of faithful governments everywhere. (Romans 13:3-4, 1 Peter 2:14 ) This truth also highlights the points made in today’s first remnant response reminding us why it is essential that leaders are elected that understand what must be called good, safe and appropriate and what should be called evil. (Isaiah 5:20 )