Marcos condemns Marawi blast by ‘foreign terrorists,’ vows to bring bombers to justice
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. condemned the bomb attack “perpetrated by foreign terrorists” at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City as he vowed to bring the bombers to justice.
Marcos, in a statement on Sunday, Dec. 3, said he condemns “in the strongest possible terms” the “senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists.”
“Extremists who wield violence against the innocent will always be regarded as enemies to our society,” he stressed.
The President sent his condolences to the relatives of the Filipinos who were killed in the bombing incident, which he referred to as the “latest assault on peace.”
Marcos assured the victims’ families that they are now “in close coordination” with the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as well as other local government units to provide assistance to them as they recover from the tragedy.
The chief executive vowed that they will “bring the perpetrators of this senseless act to justice.”
Security measures are being strengthened at the MSU and its nearby areas following the incident. “I have instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure the protection and safety of civilians and the security of affected and vulnerable communities,” said Marcos.
“Additional security personnel are also being deployed,” he added.
The President encouraged Filipinos to “remain calm, circumspect, and conscientious” as more updates in connection to the incident come throughout the day. This is to “ensure that the horrific events of this morning are not further compounded by inaccurate, unvetted, and unofficial information,” he explained.
“Let us all keep the victims, their families, and our communities in our prayers,” he concluded.
The bombing incident left at least four people dead. It took place during a Catholic mass at MSU's gymnasium on Sunday, Dec. 3. "We're investigating if it's an IED (improvised explosive device) or grenade throwing," regional police Chief Allan Nobleza said.
The MSU issued a statement condemning "the act of violence," as it suspended classes and deployed more security personnel on the campus.
"We stand in solidarity with our Christian community and all those affected by this tragedy," the university said. (with reports from AFP)