FILE PHOTO: Authorities secure the Mindanao State University (MSU) gymnasium in Marawi City on Sunday, December 2, 2023, shortly after it was turned into a bloody crime scene. The university issued a statement condemning the attack, noting that it was carried out on a campus and targeted a religious ceremony attended by students, a first in MSU history. —Lanao Del Sur Provincial Government/Reuters
DAVAO CITY — Calls are growing for Christians and Muslims to unite in the fallout of the bombing as a Sunday mass was celebrated at the Mindanao State University (MSU) on December 3.
The attack, believed to have been carried out by local affiliates of the Islamic State (IS), killed four people and injured 50 others.
This raised concerns among many families about the safety of their children on campus and threatened to reopen old wounds, as the bombing took place on the first Sunday of Advent, an important date in the Christian calendar. Nearly 1,000 students fled the campus immediately after the bombing for safety.
Mahir Gustaham, president of the United Imam of the Philippines in the Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi region, called for solidarity among all religions “because targeting innocent civilians is against Islamic laws” as well as with the others.
In times like this, according to Gustavaham, “we need to strengthen ties with different religious communities.”
“Solidarity between Muslims and Christians is at no time truly necessary than at this moment when we face the impact of brutality,” said Guiamel Alim, president of the Bangsamoro Civil Society Consortium, based in Cotabato.
“A crucial development”
The army announced on Friday that an accomplice of the two suspects in the attack had been arrested on Wednesday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs chief Col.
Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray III, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, described Sultan’s arrest as “a crucial development” in their quest for justice for the victims of the bombing. bomb.
Viray told the Inquirer that Sultan, 35, was “a key accomplice” of one “Omar” who allegedly planted the improvised bomb in the row of one-piece chairs inside the Mohammad Ali B. Dimaporo gymnasium before the start of mass.
Omar, however, was not among the names or aliases of the two suspects revealed by the Philippine National Police on Wednesday. The PNP did not respond when asked to clarify the different identity of one of the suspects.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Wednesday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo identified the suspects as Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membisa, both members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group, a local affiliate of ISIS.
Conviction
Muslim leaders were quick to condemn the attack and offer condolences to the victims.
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra called on Muslims and Christians to unite in the face of the terrorist attack, which he said aims to drive a wedge between the two religious communities.
“Our city has long been a symbol of peaceful coexistence and harmony, and we will not allow these acts of violence to overshadow our shared commitment to peace and unity,” Gandamra said.
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Acting Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim said “this atrocious and cowardly act” was also aimed at “sowing fear and discord within our people.”
“In this moment of grief and shock, let us come together as a community, embracing one another with compassion and solidarity,” Ebrahim said.
BARMM provided financial assistance to all those who died or were injured in the explosion, thanks to the Ministry of Social Services and Development.
“To the families of those whose lives were lost in this senseless act of violence and terrorism, please accept our deepest condolences and sympathies. We will ensure that justice is done,” Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. said.
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Ledesma said the tragedy would not diminish their commitment to “continue dialogue” and “work for peace and development in Mindanao.”
Senators on Friday urged authorities to fully investigate the MSU bombing and arrest the remaining suspects and the mastermind. —WITH REPORTING FROM EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ, JULIE S. ALIPALA, RYAN D. ROSAURO, LEAH AGONOY, RICHEL UMEL, DEXTER CABALZA AND NESTOR CORRALES
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Bomb blast during mass kills 4, injures 50 at Mindanao State University
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