Military personnel stand guard at the entrance of a gymnasium while police investigators look for evidence after a bomb attack at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Lanao del sur province on December 3, 2023. (Photo by Merlyn MANOS / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines – Several diplomats on Sunday have expressed support to bring the perpetrators of the bomb attack at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City to justice.
The Philippine National Police confirmed that four people have died and 50 more were injured in the bombing incident.
British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said that the United Kingdom condemns the “senseless act of violence, especially during Mindanao Peace Week [and] at the start of Advent.”
“We support efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
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.
I extend my condolences to the families of the victims. https://t.co/518PaaA8CW
— Laure Beaufils 🇬🇧 (@LaureBeaufils) December 3, 2023
The United States (US) Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson echoed the calls for justice, saying that the US government supports efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable.
My heart goes out to those affected by the Mindanao State University bombing, especially the victims and their loved ones. I extend deepest condolences on the part of the U.S. government. We condemn this act of violence and support efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable.
— Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson (@USAmbPH) December 3, 2023
Meanwhile, the European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, Luc Véron, said that “violence has no place in schools” and extended his sympathies to those who lost their loved ones due to the attack.
It’s deeply disheartening to learn of today’s explosion at Mindanao Stare University in Marawi. Violence has no place in schools.
In this difficult time, my thoughts are filled with concern for those students who have suffered injuries, and my sympathy extends to the families… pic.twitter.com/eqfNbeCuFh
— Ambassador Luc Véron 🇪🇺 (@EUAmbPH) December 3, 2023
The Embassy of France in the Philippines likewise offered its condolences to the victims of the attack and assured Filipinos of its solidarity amidst the “despicable terrorist attack.”
Read the statement of the Embassy of France to the Philippines :
Lisez la déclaration de l’Ambassade de France aux Philippines : pic.twitter.com/fokYdFmHzz
— France in the PH 🇫🇷🇵🇭 (@FrenchEmbassyPH) December 3, 2023
The Embassy of Ireland in Manila also offered its sincerest condolences and called on Irish citizens in the country who may have been affected by the attack to contact their office.
The Embassy is deeply saddened by this morning’s bombing at Mindanao State University. We offer our our sincere sympathies to those who have been affected by this act of violence.
For Irish citizens impacted by this, please reach out to our emergency line at +63 917 324 4787. pic.twitter.com/eBRI2bw7DX
— Irish Embassy Manila (@IrlEmbManila) December 3, 2023
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Kazuhiko Koshikawa, reiterated that Japan is committed to support the “peace process to achieve sustainable peace and stability in Mindanao.”
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.
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) December 3, 2023
In a statement, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. condemned the deadly bombing at MSU, blaming “foreign terrorists.”
READ: Bongbong Marcos vows to bring ‘ruthless’ MSU-Marawi bombers to justice
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro alluded to the existence of “foreign elements” in the attack but refused to elaborate further so as to not compromise the ongoing investigation.
READ: ‘Foreign terrorists’ behind deadly Marawi bombing–officials
Further, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner said that the bombing was a “retaliatory attack” following a series of military operations against local pro-Islamic State groups.