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Senate strongly denounces ISIS-led bombing during Catholic mass at MSU-Marawi City

December 04. 2023

The Senate strongly condemned the bombing incident that took place on Sunday morning during a Catholic mass inside a gymnasium at Mindanao State University in Marawi City.

According to foreign media groups on Monday, the terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed it was responsible for the bombing incident.

In Resolution No. 875, filed by Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito on Monday, the Senate is urging the military and law enforcement agencies to take necessary actions to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The explosion resulted in the death of four persons and injuring 45 others. Most of the attendees were students from the school.

“This act of violence against innocent civilians practicing their faith in a religious gathering is an act of terrorism that should be condemned in the highest possible terms,” the resolution read.

Ejercito emphasized that the freedom of religion and the practice of such is a right guaranteed by the Philippine law.

Section 5, Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states, "No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion; or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.”

The lawmaker from San Juan said “such barbaric acts have no place in our society.”

He added that innocent, unarmed students, who are unrelated to clashing ideologies, should not become caught in the crossfire of any armed conflict.

“Educational institutions, especially State Universities and Colleges funded by taxpayers money, should be a safe haven and sanctuary for students, professors and visitors.”

Initial investigation noted that it is still confirming whether the blast originated from a thrown grenade or an improvised explosive device (IED). 

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