Philippines: Eight people wounded due to bomb explosion in Datu Piang, Maguindanao Province, Sept. 18

Event

An explosion occurred in the Barangay Poblacion area of Datu Piang, Maguindanao Province, the afternoon of Sept. 18. The blast, which was reportedly caused by a bomb, occurred near a volleyball game. Eight people were wounded by the explosion. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast. Police are investigating the incident and trying to locate the perpetrators.

Context

Authorities believe that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a separatist miliant group that operates in Maguindanao, were responsible for the blast. Most of the victims of the attack were members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community; officials believe the BIFF intentionally targeted the event as it had sent death threats to members of the LGBTQ community. While the BIFF has not previously organized major attacks targeting the LGBTQ community in recent years, violence occurs frequently in the area. Islamist militants attacked Datu Piang in Dec. 2020. Additional violence is possible, especially in the months and weeks ahead of the planned Bangsamoro and Presidential elections in May 2022.