Justice for bombing victims assured
THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) has assured justice for all the victims of a bombing inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) in early December last year.
Opapru Secretary and Presidential Adviser Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government support to the victims and their families would go beyond financial aid and highlighted the national government’s commitment to mental health and psychosocial support by forming a counseling team.
Galvez also committed to strengthen the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the local government units to maintain peace and order across Mindanao.
Galvez made the declaration during the distribution of financial assistance to the victims of the Dec. 3, 2023 bombing during a Mass service inside the gymnasium of MSU in Marawi City. The incident left four dead and scores wounded.
The distribution of financial assistance which was held at the MSUMain Campus on January 29 was attended by MSU-Marawi officer in charge Saadudin Alauya Jr., vice president for administration and finance, and representatives of several government agencies.
The event showcased the university’s resilience and unity through the unwavering support of the national and local governments, and other agencies.
Narimah Sampaco-Fayez said representatives from the Inter-Agency Task Forces of the Office of Civil Defense in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (OCD-BARMM) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) also promised support to the victims through financial assistance.
Regional Director Joel Mamon of OCD-BARMM, Assistant Vice President Eric Balcos of Pagcor’s Community Relations and Services Department were among the guests during the event.
MSU System and Marawi officials, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr., and the victims together with their families and representatives were also present.
Alauya, also the university’s officer in charge, expressed gratitude to partner agencies and local government units for their support not only to the victims but to the entire university.
Mamon emphasized the event’s significance in fostering healing and reconciliation.
“Let us remember the strength and courage of our community. Together, we move forward toward reconciliation,” he said.
Balcos also pledged continued assistance to MSU and Lanao del Sur, while Governor Adiong lauded MSU as the “jewel of Lanao del Sur.”
Indeed, MSU bombing cast a shadow over the university and Marawi City, particularly following the 2017 Marawi Siege. The event demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and commitment.