CHR condemns bombing of church in BARMM

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemns the bombing of a church in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). On May 19, 2024, an explosion rocked a Catholic church in Barangay Rosary Heights 3, Cotabato City while a bible service was ongoing. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemned the bombing of a church in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The rights body stressed it denounces all acts of violence, especially those targeted against groups of certain religious beliefs, as these oppose the progress that has already been made in promoting religious freedom in the Philippines.

“It must be noted that last year, 05 December 2023, the CHR also issued a statement on the bombing of a Catholic Mass in Marawi City. This is the second time in a span of a few months that these bombings have occurred in places of worship in the BARMM,” it pointed out.

READ: Grenade attack on a Catholic chapel in Cotabato City injures 2 persons

“As the country’s national human rights institution, we continue to sound the alarm on the prevalence of these incidents. We echo the call that people of faith should be able to freely exercise their beliefs as this is enshrined in both domestic policies and international human rights standards,” it also said.

On May 19, an explosion rocked a Catholic church in Barangay Rosary Heights 3, Cotabato City while a bible service was ongoing.

READ: Bomb blast during Mass kills 4, wounds 50 at Mindanao State University

Authorities said two unidentified men on a motorcycle passed by the Santo Niño Chapel, tossed the grenade, and sped away, inflicting injuries on two people.

The CHR repeated its vow to remain vigilant on similar incidents, and assured the public of collaboration with the government to guarantee public safety.