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).