Injured people are treated at Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi, Lanao del sur province, after a bomb attack during a Catholic mass at Mindanao State University's gymnasium. At least three people were killed and seven wounded in a bomb attack on a Catholic mass in the insurgency-plagued southern Philippines on December 3, officials said. (Photo by Merlyn MANOS / AFP)
Several countries have expressed their sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims of the bombing incident at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City.
In separate statements on Sunday, the United States, Japan, China and France condemned the attack, which left at least 11 people dead and injured more than 40 others.
"My heart goes out to those affected by the Mindanao State University bombing, especially the victims and their loved ones," US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
"I extend deepest condolences on the part of the US government. We condemn this act of violence and support efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable," she added.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko echoed his condolences to the victims who perished in the bombing incident, which took place during a Sunday Mass service at the school's gymnasium.
"Deeply saddened by the tragedy at Mindanao State University. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones," Koshikawa said.
He also reiterated Japan's commitment to support the peace process to achieve sustainable peace and stability in Mindanao.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian also condemned the bombing incident at the MSU.
"Our hearts go to the victims and their bereaved families of the horrific bombing as well as those affected in Mindanao State University this morning," Huang said. "Violence against civilians has no place in the world. We condemn the killing of innocent people in Marawi," he added.
Meanwhile, the French Embassy in Manila described the bombing at the MSU as "despicable."
"We have learned that an act of terrorism has struck the University of Mindanao, resulting in the death of several people and the injury of others," the Embassy posted on X.
For his part, European Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron said violence has "no place" in schools. "It's deeply disheartening to learn of today's explosion at Mindanao State University in Marawi. Violence has no place in schools," Véron wrote on X.
"In this difficult time, my thoughts are filled with concern for those students who have suffered injuries, and my sympathy extends to the families who have lost their loved ones," he added.
Local politicians also expressed rage and dismay over the attack, with Vice President Sara Duterte calling for calm and a thorough investigation.
"Those killed and wounded were civilians. It is disturbing that this happened inside the MSU compound in a Catholic church, in a part of the country with a long and bloody experience with terrorism. It was an outrageous move, but it's also clear that it was an act of cowardice," she said in Filipino.
