INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – The social action arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines on Sunday condemned the bombing at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City.
A Catholic mass was being held at the university’s gymnasium when it was attacked, killing four and injuring 50 civilians – most of whom are Catholic students.
“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!” Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, said in a statement.
The bombing at MSU coincided with the Mindanao Week of Peace which carried the theme, “Solidarity for Action: A World Without Violence.”
Bishop Bagaforo likewise appealed to government authorities to ensure the security and safety of Christian gatherings, especially since the Christmas season has begun.
He also called on government officials to bring the perpetrators of the “heinous act” to justice.
READ: Bongbong Marcos vows to bring ‘ruthless’ MSU-Marawi bombers to justice
“Caritas Philippines calls for a thorough and expeditious investigation into this heinous act. The perpetrators must be swiftly identified, apprehended, and brought to justice to ensure that such atrocities do not go unpunished,” the Bishop said.
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“Caritas Philippines urges all stakeholders, including the government, religious leaders, and the community, as a whole, to collaborate in fostering an environment of peace despite the incident,” he continued.
The MSU has previously issued a statement saying that it stands in solidarity with the Christian community and all those affected by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to bring the perpetrators of the bombing attack to justice.