COTABATO CITY—Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament have filed a resolution condemning the bombing incident that happened on December 3 at the Dimaporo Gymnasium in Mindanao State University in Marawi City.
The resolution stated that the “free exercise and enjoyment of religious professions and worship without discrimination or preference shall forever be allowed, as stated in Section 5 and Article 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution,”
The blast took place during a Catholic Mass service in the gym.
“We stand in solidarity with the community of peace, urging adherence to safety protocols set by local authorities, and together, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a society rooted in tolerance, respect, and lasting peace,” the measure read.
It was authored by Parliament members Diamila Disimban-Ramos, Ali Montaha Babao, Don Mustapha Loong, Nabila Pangandaman, Michael Midtimbang, Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., and Rasol Mitmug, Jr. and co-authored by Members of Parliament Ali Solaiman, Mudjib Abu, Suwaib Oranon, Kelie Antao, Tawakal Midtimbang, Basir Utto, Ramon Piang, Sr., Tarhata Maglangit, Khalid Hadji Abdullah, Abdulazis Amenoden, Abdullah Gayak, Abdullah Macapaar, Faizal Karon, Said Sheikh, Amroussi Macatanong, Rasul Ismael, Abdulkarim Misuari, Randolph Parcasio, Dan Asnawie, Bassit Abas, and Denmartin Kahalan.
The Bangsamoro government also condemned ”this heinous act of violence.”
“In this moment of grief and shock, let us come together as a community, embracing one another with compassion and solidarity. The MSU is an academic institution that has always welcomed people of different faiths and we must see to it that this tradition will endure these times of tribulations,” BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said in a statement.
“Ensuring the safety of students and the community remains our top priority. We are working closely with the proper authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this abhorrent act and establish,”
Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong said.
The office of Parliament member Disimban-Ramos has also extended its sympathies to the families of the casualties and those affected by the blast. She extended relief assistance such as rice and groceries to the victims’ families.
“Islam strongly prohibits such act of violence and emphasizes the sanctity of human life. It is particularly heart-wrenching to acknowledge that most of the victims were students, engaging in the pure act of practicing their faith. This attack on young individuals, at a place and time of spiritual reflection only adds to the severity of this tragedy. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured, and all those affected by this tragedy,” Ramos noted.
Senator Robin Padilla, through his representative Nadia Montenegro, likewise extended financial help to the victims of the tragedy.
“I want to thank my colleagues for stressing that Islam has nothing to do with this attack. What happened was the work of terrorists who do not represent Muslims. Muslims will never accept violence as part of their faith. The Qur’an is clear that if you kill an innocent person, you are killing humanity,” Padilla said.
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., said that the government is working closely with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the concerned local government units for their swift response in this matter.