MSU bombing is meant to sow fear, disrupt peace efforts, says CHR

CAMPUS BECOMES TARGET Authorities inspect the gymnasium of Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi city on Sunday, shortly after it was turned into a bloody crime scene. The university issued a statement condemning the attack, noting how it was carried out on a campus and targeted a religious ceremony attended by students, a first in MSU’s history. (Photo from Lanao Del Sur Provincial Government/REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday believes the bombing in Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi city should not stop peacebuilding in the country.

The university was attacked on Sunday, killing four and injuring scores of civilians.

“We express our hope that this incident will not hinder our collective effort toward a just and lasting peace across the nation,” CHR said in a statement.

The commission also condemned the attack.

“Such incidents of violence that seek to sow fear amongst people and intend to disrupt all efforts towards peacebuilding, especially in places of worship and learning, contradict the principles of international humanitarian law,” the commission said.

“We call out the perpetrators for their obvious dismissal of the shared responsibility to preserve human dignity and to respect the call in defense of human rights,” it added.

Following the bombing at a university, CHR said the perpetrators violated the students’ right to education, which it described as a “fundamental human right.”

“Any attack on schools and places of learning is an attack on our collective aspirations to build a better and brighter society,” it noted.

The bombing happened at the university’s gymnasium while a Catholic mass was being held.