Justice vowed for bombing victims

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Marcos: ‘Foreign terrorists’ behind
MSU attack that left 4 dead, 50 injured

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday vowed to bring to justice the perpetrators of the deadly bombing at the Marawi State University in Marawi City that he described as “foreign terrorists” and “enemies of our society.”

The President took to social media to strongly condemn the attack that claimed at least four lives and left at least 50 injured.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists upon the Mindanao State University (MSU) and Marawi communities early this Sunday morning. Extremists who wield violence against the innocent will always be regarded as enemies of our society. 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,” Marcos said.

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The explosion occurred at the gymnasium of the Mindanao State University in Marawi City during a Catholic mass service yesterday. Marawi City was the scene of more than five months of fighting in 2017 between government troops and members of the ISIS-linked Maute terrorist group who attacked the city to try to establish an Islamic caliphate.

Law enforcement operations to bring to justice the perpetrators of the “terrorist activity” will “continue unabated,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told a press conference.

There were “strong indications of a foreign element” in the bombing, Teodoro said, refusing to elaborate so as not to compromise the ongoing investigation.

Fragments of a 16-mm mortar were recovered at the scene, senior police official Emmanuel Peralta told the press conference.

The President urged everyone to remain calm, circumspect, and conscientious “in our collective efforts to ensure that the horrific events of this morning are not further compounded by inaccurate, unvetted, and unofficial information.

“Rest assured we will bring the perpetrators of this ruthless act to justice. Let us all keep the victims, their families, and our communities in our prayers,” he added.

Marcos said the national government is in close coordination with the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the concerned local government units (LGUs) and thanked them for their swift response and their ready support to the victims.

He instructed the PNP and the Armed Forces to ensure the protection and safety of civilians and the security of affected and vulnerable communities, adding additional security personnel will be deployed.

Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and National Government Inter-Governmental Relations Board Chairwoman and concurrent Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, in separate statements, condemned the attack and extended their condolences and prayers to the families of the victims, and the students and faculty of MSU.

“May you have the strength and courage to cope with the painful loss of your loved ones and carry on in the face of this immense tragedy. This horrendous attack, which happened during a Mass and the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace, shows the ruthless methods that these lawless elements will utilize to sow fear, anger, and animosity among our people. We will not allow this to happen. Such a barbaric act has no room in a humane civilized, peaceful society,” Galvez said.

He assured the public that the Marcos Administration would not leave any stone unturned to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice while the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity is in touch with the BARMM to provide the necessary assistance to the victims and their families.

“As we mourn the loss of those who have perished, let us unite and work hand in hand so that we can help prevent such incidents from happening again, as we continue to promote the culture of peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity across our nation,” Galvez said.

Pangandaman, who hails from Marawi, said the “unsettling tragedy” is a great setback to the peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

“This is an unsettling tragedy that breaks my heart as a daughter of Mindanao and of Marawi itself.  As co-chair of the IGRB, we have been working hard upon the orders of President Marcos Jr. to establish a lasting peace that will lead to development and prosperity in Mindanao. This is a great setback to our efforts. My heart goes out as well to MSU, which not only stands for peace, unity, and a deep respect for human life, but is also home to our Mindanaoan youth,” she said.

She vowed to continue working very hard with officials from both the national government and BARMM to ensure that peace and security, especially in parts of Mindanao, is “restored.”

The attack comes on the heels of the national government’s implementation of an amnesty program for rebels and separatist members in the country in a bid to promote peace and development.

‘COWARDLY ACT’

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Vice President Sara Duterte condemned the bombing, calling it a “cowardly act.”

“This is a bold act while it is also clear to us that it is a cowardly act,” she said in a statement.

The Vice President condoled with the families of the victims “while strongly condemning the explosion and those behind it.”

Duterte said the incident is a special cause for concern because it happened in a church inside the MSU compound in Marawi City which has a long history of terrorism.

While she urged the public, especially Mindanaons, to be calm as authorities conduct an investigation, Duterte urged them to remain vigilant and guard against the possibility of a second attack.

“Let’s be reminded of our triumphs to ensure peace in Mindanao and the whole country,” she said.

She also recalled the 2016 bombing of the Roxas Night Market in Davao City while she was still the city’s mayor.

“We all know the fear and pain caused by this dastardly act. We have to be strong in the face of the continuing challenges and threats of terrorism. Let’s not allow evil to win against a country united for peace,” she said.

Reps. Paolo Duterte of Davao City and Luis Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur also condemned the incident.

Rep. Duterte, an older brother of the Vice President, said authorities “should leave no stone unturned in finding the masterminds behind this ruthless attack.”

“We cannot let this pass. Those who did this must be made to pay,” he said.

Villafuerte said the government has to tap its confidential and intelligence funds to find the culprits and put them behind bars.

“We have to tap all available resources to hunt these terrorists,” he said.

Basilan Reom Mujiv Hatama said: “This is plain and simple terrorism. No words can describe the violence they did to students who were peacefully celebrating mass, a free expression of their religion.

“Like what we always say, violence has no place in a civilized society and those who are responsible have to be made to answer under the law,” he said.

The former governor of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said “the perpetrators should be unmasked.”

“We’ll monitor the development of this case to ensure that justice will be served to the victims and their families,” Hataman said.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said: “Once again, this condemnable act not only inflicts immediate pain and suffering on the victims and their families but also undermines the pursuit of knowledge, respect of one’s religious faith, and sanctity of human life.”

“I therefore denounce this bombing and call for a thorough and swift investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Finally, I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the victims and their families as I stand in solidarity with the MSU community in the face of this senseless violence,” he said.

TERROR ATTACK

Army Major Gen. Gabriel Viray III called the attack “a terror act,” speaking to reporters as explosive disposal experts were deployed.

“Right now, we are on heightened alert and our troops remain vigilant as we are determining the motive and identifying the perpetrators to ascertain who was behind it,” Viray said.

Military officials surveyed the gymnasium, which appeared intact except for burn marks in the center where the explosion occurred, according to images shared by the government of Lanao del Sur on its Facebook account. White plastic chairs were strewn about.

Videos posted by DZBB radio on X showed rescuers carrying injured people out of the gym on plastic chairs.

“Terroristic attacks on educational institutions must also be condemned because these are places that promote the culture of peace,” Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. said in a statement.

The Philippine military killed 11 militants last Saturday, including members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines group, in an operation that recovered 10 high-powered firearms and three explosive devices.

“We are looking at the bomb signature to determine if the group was indeed behind it,” Viray said.

The Coast Guard said in a statement it had directed its districts to intensify pre-departure inspection at ports.

Mindanao State University is “deeply saddened and appalled by the act of violence that occurred during a religious gathering,” it said in a statement on Facebook. “We unequivocally condemn in the strongest possible terms this senseless and horrific act.”

The university said it was suspending classes until further notice.

ATTACK CONDEMNED

Senators condemned the deadly bombing and called on law enforcement authorities to track down and arrest the perpetrators.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri led the condemnation, saying he was “angered and appalled” by the bombing, which came while the victims were hearing Mass.

“It is disheartening to see such violence play out in Marawi once again, years after the siege and well into a period of newfound peace enjoyed by our brothers and sisters under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” said Zubiri, who hails from Mindanao.

“It is especially alarming to see such a brazen attack on a state university during a Catholic Mass. No one should have to feel unsafe in places of learning and places of worship,” he added.

He called on the PNP, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the BARMM to coordinate their efforts and “to leave no stone unturned in bringing justice to their loved ones, and to restore the peace that we have worked hard to gain in Marawi over the past six years.”

Senators Imee Marcos, Sherwin Gatchalian, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Loren Legarda, Jinggoy Estrada, Alan Peter Cayetano, Grace Poe, Lito Lapid, Joel Villanueva and Aquilino “Koko “Pimentel III also condemned the attack.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this terrorist act, condoning with the families of those injured and deceased while also demanding that our law enforcers punish to the utmost the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” Marcos said.

“The historic injustice of Mindanao cannot be allowed to persist, nor should the horrific siege of Marawi ever be repeated,” she added.

Gatchalian said the incident, reprehensible as it may be, should not be allowed to divide the community, especially in Marawi.

“I condemn the reprehensible bombing in Marawi, particularly in a gym where a Catholic Mass was ongoing this morning resulting in tragic deaths and numerous injuries, including students attending the service. Targeting a place of worship and endangering innocent lives is an appalling act that goes against the values of humanity,” Gatchalian said.

He added that such acts of terrorism should only strengthen the resolve for everyone to collaborate to eradicate extremism and promote peace in the region, which has been until recently wracked by decades of fighting between government forces and separatist rebels.

“Amidst this tragic event, I call for a thorough investigation to swiftly ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Gatchalian added.

Aside from condemning the deadly blast, Legarda called on authorities to ensure the safety of the people.

“I call on our government and authorities to ensure the safety of our people. Such senseless and cowardly acts of violence have no place in any society and must be met with the full force of justice,” Legarda said, adding that it underscored the need for “greater understanding and respect for diverse religious practices and beliefs.”

“It is crucial for us to stand united, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of such acts of violence,” Legarda said.

Revilla said he was saddened and angered by the bombing, more so since it occurred in a place of worship inside an educational institution.

“Places of education and practice of religion should be safe havens. I condemn this senseless violence in the strongest terms possible. This has no place in our society,” Revilla said.

He also called on law enforcement authorities to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

“I implore our law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. Marawi is still recovering so we must maintain order there,” Revilla added.

Dela Rosa, who also comes from Mindanao, said “peace, love and respect” are and should be the norm between Muslims and Christian students in MSU even after the deadly blast.

“I am sure the ones responsible are not Muslims nor Christians, they are terrorists!” Dela Rosa said.

Pimentel, also a Mindanaoan, denounced the attack and called on authorities to do everything to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent a repeat of the incident.

“The original members of the PDP Laban led by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III and former Senator Manny Pacquiao vehemently denounce the recent bombing at Mindanao State University’s Dimaporo Gymnasium in Marawi City. This cowardly attack disrupted a peaceful gathering, resulting in tragic loss of life and injuries,” Pimentel said.

The Senate minority leader also called for a “thorough investigation to give justice to the victims and make sure the perpetrators are identified and punished under the law.

“We stand united against this heinous act that targets innocent civilians, disrupting peace and unity,” Pimentel said, adding that authorities should also reinforce security measures to prevent a repeat of the attack.

The MSU also condemned the attack, saying on its Facebook page: “The Mindanao State University (MSU) community is deeply saddened and appalled by the act of violence that occurred during a religious gathering at the university gymnasium this morning.

“We unequivocally condemn in the strongest possible terms this senseless and horrific act and extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. We are committed to providing support and assistance to those affected by this tragedy,” it added.

The university said its immediate priority is the safety of its constituents, particularly the Christian community.

“We are aware of the heightened sensitivities and concerns that arise from such a tragic event, and we want to assure everyone that we are taking every measure possible to protect our students, faculty, and staff,” it said.

MSU has also suspended classes “until further notice.”

It added that it is working closely with local authorities and law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

“We stand in solidarity with our Christian community and all those affected by this tragedy.

We will not be deterred by this act of violence, and we will continue to work towards building a more peaceful and just MSU community,” MSU said.

Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero De Vera said he is still getting reports from the university on the incident.

“I’m still waiting for additional details from MSU President Basari Mapupuno,” De Vera said.

ENVOYS SPEAK

Foreign envoys led by US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also expressed sadness over the incident.

“My heart goes out to those affected by the Mindanao State University bombing, especially the victims and their loved ones. I extend my deepest condolences on the part of the US government. We condemn this act of violence and support efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable,” Carlson said on X, formerly Twitter.

“It’s deeply disheartening to learn of today’s explosion at Mindanao State University in Marawi. Violence has no place in schools,” European Union Ambassador Luc Veron said on X.

“In this difficult time, my thoughts are filled with concern for those students who have suffered injuries, and my sympathy extends to the families who have lost their loved ones,” he added.

Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko said he was also saddened by the incident.

“Deeply saddened by the tragedy at Mindanao State University. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones. I reiterate Japan’s commitment to support the peace process to achieve sustainable peace and stability in Mindanao,” Koshikawa said.

Canadian Ambassador David Hartman said: “On behalf of the Embassy of Canada, I express our sincere condolences to the victims and families of those killed and wounded in today’s vicious bombing at Mindanao State University. We condemn this heinous act of violence and call for the perpetrators to be held responsible.”

British Ambassador Laure Beaufils and French Ambassador Marie Fontanel followed suit.

“I am deeply saddened by today’s bombing in MSU Marawi. condemns this senseless act of violence, especially during Mindanao Peace Week & at the start of Advent. We support efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Beaufils said.

The British envoy also extended her condolences to the families of the victims.

“We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and assure the authorities and the Filipino people of our solidarity in the face of this despicable terrorist attack,” Fontanel added.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian also joined in the condemnation of the attack.

“Our hearts go to the victims and their bereaved families of the horrific bombing as well as those affected in Mindanao State University this morning. Violence against civilians has no place in the world,” Huang said.

CHURCH WEIGHS IN

The Catholic Church condemned the bombing, saying the “blatant act of terror” is comparable to previous acts of Christian persecution.

In a statement, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the bombing incident is unacceptable as it happened just days after the observance of “Red Wednesday” and on the occasion of the first Sunday of Advent.

“The perpetrators had chosen that very occasion to detonate a bomb, instantly killing Catholic faithful and wounding others in the gymnasium of the Mindanao State University in Marawi City,” said CBCP President Bishop Pablo David.

“Such violence should not only be denounced; it should also be renounced as a way of seeking redress by every peace-loving Filipino,” he added.

David’s statement was immediately heeded by the CBCP’s humanitarian arm as Caritas Philippines slammed the perpetrators for claiming the lives of four people while injuring at least 50 others.

Caritas Philippines said the incident is unfortunate as it also happened amid the celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace.

“Caritas Philippines condemns in strongest terms the bombing inside (the) Dimaporo Gymnasium of the Mindanao State University, where a Catholic mass was being held,” said Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo.

“I am appalled by the blatant act of terror that the perpetrators were able to commit, especially at this time when we are celebrating the Mindanao Week of Peace,” he added.

The bishops said they are one with the families of the victims in mourning over the senseless act of terrorism.

“We pray for the eternal repose of those who have died, and for the healing of those who have been injured. We unite ourselves spiritually with their families and draw strength and consolation from our faith in Christ,” said David. — With Ashzel Hachero, Wendell Vigilia, Gerard Naval and Reuters 

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