Mindanao student leaders condemn Marawi blast
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Student leaders in Mindanao condemned the bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, on Sunday morning, December 3.
Unyon Mindanao, the premier alliance of student governments in Mindanao, said that apart from emanating violence, the “barbaric act” also worsens the increasing prevalence of Muslim-christian conflict, making the public vulnerable to misinformation rooted in “bigotry and discrimination.”
“It is empirical to acknowledge that no religion endorses or supports extremist actions,” the Unyon Mindanao said in a statement signed by President Ivan Jay Lagunero which also called for an immediate end to violence in all educational institutions.
The group said the incident is “no less than an act against humanity,” emphasizing that educational institutions are sanctuaries of safety and a place free from violence.
The Muslim Youth Council (MYC) of Cagayan de Oro also condemned the heinous act and stood in solidarity with the affected community.
The youth council shared a quote in alignment with the teachings of the Holy Quran that “killing the innocent is like killing humanity,” a reminder, the council said, that Islam is a religion of peace and the deeds of a small number of people should not be misinterpreted as characteristic of the entire Muslim community.
Several local government units in Mindanao offered assistance, such as free transportation, especially for their constituents studying at the State-run university who wanted to go home, as the school suspended all classes and academic activities until further notice.
MSU condemned the incident and vowed to provide support and assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
According to the MSU Emergency Task Force, there was no recommendation to implement a lockdown or the need to evacuate the university’s constituents, as the school is secured based on the internal security’s assessment.
Unyon Mindanao urged the youth to get involved in the talk of solidarity, mutual understanding, and intercultural dialogue.