CONDEMN TERRORISM AND CAMPUS VIOLENCE! JUSTICE FOR ALL VICTIMS OF THE MSU-MARAWI BLAST! - Mindanao groups

We, the Network Opposed to War (NO to War) – Palestine Solidarity Pilipinas in Mindanao condemn to the highest degree this terrorist act of bombing that occurred during the First Sunday Catholic Mass inside the Dimaporo Gymnasium of Mindanao State University, Marawi Campus on December 3, 2023 that instantly claimed four (4) lives, injured 43 others and left thousands of students and community members in trauma. Such an act of terrorism and violence has no place inside a national peace institution where students, faculties and campus community have the right to feel safe and secure at all times. 

We must make it clear that no religion is at fault. Revealing after the explosion that the people mostly Meranaw quickly responded to the crime scene to salvage lives. The tri-people MSUans’ long-held character of being a multi-cultured, educated and peace-loving community transcends religious and social divides. 

Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families of the fallen victims; amidst these dreadful times, we must stand in solidarity to all survivors who are still in recuperation and are dealing with the repercussions caused by this adversity by offering them compassion, healing prayers and all possible support like psychosocial support services and other needed humanitarian aid. 

The NO to War – PSP Mindanao groups demand an urgent and transparent investigation to unearth the truth behind this incident and render swift justice to the victims and their families. The university has had a long list of atrocities and crimes committed within its grounds that until to date, there has been no justice for all the innocent lives lost. There must be an end to violence inside the university campus and all its neighboring communities. The safety and welfare of the students, faculty and campus community must be the top priority, as no student, faculty and campus community would ever feel safe under these circumstances. 

Furthermore, we believe that the Mindanao State University officials and the MSU-Peace Keeping Force (PKF) must not be stagnant in maintaining the safety and security of the campus premises and must be held accountable for this responsibility. 

We call on all MSUans (from different campuses) and everyone to organize solidarity actions wherever we are to demand the same- independent and transparent investigation, justice and accountability and the preservation of MSU system's valuable contribution in shaping a peaceful Mindanao. 

Finally, we urge the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified information and fake news that may fuel misunderstanding or spark negative stereotypes, discrimination and prejudices against other religious groups and people. It is in times like these that we are called to stand in solidarity and unite with one another, and demand for justice to prevail. 

As we stand, let us not forget our brothers and sisters in MSU; in other parts of Mindanao and the country; the people of Myanmar, Ukraine, Sudan and Palestine who are also suffering from and are calling for an end to terrorism and violence. JustPeace we build now and everywhere! 

NO to War! Palestine Solidarity Pilipinas - Mindanao groups 

December 5, 2023