Statement on the Marawi Bombing Incident
We at the Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB) are in solidarity with all the Muslims and Christians in Marawi City and the whole country in condemning the horrific bombing incident committed against innocent mass goers at the Dimaporo Gymnasium inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus last December 3, 2023. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones, and our deepest sympathy with all injured, traumatized and affected by the bombing. The bombing incident that killed 4 persons and wounded 72 others is a violation of the basic human rights and tenets of both Christian and Islamic faiths.
ECOWEB also recognizes the spontaneous and quick response of the local community and people largely Muslims who acted as first responders immediately after the bombing incident saving more lives of survivors who are all Christians. This great act of solidarity is a testament the local peoples’ capacity, resilience, and love for peace. As a testament to this, right after the incident we had seen how locals immediately came and provided help. In the absence of ambulance, they offered their humble vehicles (tricycles) to immediately bring the injured to the nearby hospital. We also witnessed how the Muslims visited and comforted the Christian survivors. We also witnessed how local groups mobilized local donations to help the victims and their families. So many spontaneous help and support were extended by volunteer groups and local government units to help traumatized students from MSU, including transporting them home. We witnessed the compassion and resilience of Filipinos in times of crisis.
The response and rescue process showed the need for MSU to improve its security management and disaster preparedness in the campus. While there was lack of recognition on the local response efforts, we push to further capacitate the local actors and stakeholders who play major roles in responding to crisis and in contributing to peace.
Marawi City is still largely in ruins due to the siege in 2017 and rebuilding is slow but continuing. We cannot afford to let terror hold sway over the Philippines’ only Islamic City. We call on local, national and international communities to continue supporting local peace initiatives.
Let us not allow this latest assault further divide us and effectively put a wedge between our peoples, religions and cultures. Let this be an impetus for us to further our vision for peace and justice. Let the local initiatives demonstrating compassion and local capacities in times of crisis inspire us to recognize this internal strength even in terrorism acts.
May what happened last Sunday, the first day of Advent for the Catholics and within the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration, mark another resolve for our united journey to our long-sought after sustainable peace and development in Mindanao.
We also urge every Filipino, regardless of religion, to help foster the culture of peace in our country, especially in our beloved Mindanao.
CTTO: To the featured image source in fakebook.
