Grenade Attack at City Chapel - Cotabato, Philippines

On 19 May, a grenade blast occurred at a chapel in Purok Bagong Silang, Cotabato. The incident happened when a prayer service was ongoing at the Sto. Niño Chapel, located in Barangay Rosary Heights 3. Two people sustained serious injuries. Two assailants came together riding a motercycle, threw the grenade and immediately fled the scene. Security officials are investigating the incident. Travel restrictions in the region may be temporarily imposed.

A similar attack happened in December 2023, at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City during a regular Catholic Mass. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the explosion, which resulted in at least 50 injuries and four fatalities. Both Cotabato and Marawi are located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Advice

Avoid the area until tensions subside. Follow any other advice from the local authorities. Increased security presence may be expected. If travelling, exercise increased caution. Expect and prepare for localized travel disruptions.