Foreign terrorists have played a significant role in this disgraceful attack, which comes immediately after the pro-Islamic State groups in the southern Philippines suffered a heavy setback. As Manilla takes decisive steps to defeat Islamic militants once and for all, those who once were able to seize Marawi City are now launching desperate attacks against innocent worshippers. This tragedy reflects the decline of IS in the region.
This heinous bombing exposes the Philippine government's failure to prevent terror activities in Mindanao. First and foremost, security agencies blundered their intelligence gathering. Additionally, delays in rehabilitation efforts in Marawi have given terrorists a platform to spread propaganda in a bid to convince others to back them. Authorities should be doing more to prevent attacks like these and protect innocent lives.