CSOs condemn the attack to RH3, Sto Niño Chapel in Cotabato City, call for Justice, and Solidarity among peoples and faiths.

CSOs condemn the attack to RH3, Sto Niño Chapel in Cotabato City, call for Justice, and Solidarity among peoples and faiths.

We, the different organizations and institutions advocating and working for peace, environment and human rights in Maguindanao provinces and Cotabato City (and beyond) thru this collective statement strongly condemns the violent act perpetrated against the worshiping community of Sto Niño Chapel in Rosary Heights 3, Cotabato City that eventually injures 2 parishioners on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 10:40 in the morning.

According to the Police report and CCTV footage, a lone man on a motorcycle threw a grenade to the chapel. The police said that only part of the M26 fragmentation grenade exploded or the damage would be worse.

The said attack was not only about the physical violence it caused but an attack on religious freedom, security and the long-labored unity and solidarity among diverse faiths and cultures in the city and Mindanao.

Thus, we call on all religious denominations and congregations and all social organizations and movements to remain committed to justpeace and solidarity among us. The incident must strengthen our conviction to work more together and must not divert us or weaken us in contributing to the efforts for the realization of the democratic rights of every citizen and people and for peace to exist in our midst.

We demand thorough investigation and those behind the attack should be brought before the law.

While the incident is not confirmed if it is related to any circumstance but as we are about to approach the election season for the May 2025 elections, let us remain vigilant as citizens and strengthen our unity. We call on the concerned agencies to democratically ensure that the election exercise must be free from harm, threats and violence.

High time also to reiterate the call for serious investigations and bring justice to the shooting and killing incidents in Cotabato City and Maguindanao provinces including the attacks against the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Let us remain committed to ‘Our’ Solidarity, Human Rights and JustPeace!

Cotabato City / May 20, 2024

Signed,

Name of the Organizations

1. Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao (AMKP)

2. Task Force Bantay Kalikasan (TFBK)

3. Kilusang Maralita sa Kanayunan (KILOS KA)

4. Umpungan Nu mga Babai sa Bagua 2 (UBB2)

5. Kaagapay OFW Resource and Service Center, Imc

6. Ranao Women & Children Resource Center, Inc. - RWCRC

7. LABAN Kababaihan

8. Kusina Bayanihan