Israel joins nations in condemning MSU bombing attack
FILE: IIlan Fluss, Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines. 26 October 2023. | 📸 King Rodriguez.
Daily TribuneFILE: IIlan Fluss, Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines. 26 October 2023. | 📸 King Rodriguez.
Israel, through its embassy in Manila, has joined other nations in denouncing the terror attack at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City on Sunday, which killed at least four people and injured 50 others.
"The Embassy of Israel in Manila condemns the heinous act of terrorism perpetrated at Mindanao State University in Marawi City," the embassy said in a statement on Monday.
"Israel is in solidarity with the Philippine government and Filipino people in the face of this despicable terrorist attack. Terrorism is a global threat that needs collective unity among nations to safeguard the well-being of all people and communities," it added.
The embassy also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims of the bombing incident which occurred during a Sunday mass service at the university's gymnasium.
"Our hearts go out to the victims and their bereaved families, and we extend our deepest condolences and sympathy during this difficult time. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured," it said.
The United States also denounced the terror attack as it expressed condolences to the victims of the attack.
"The United States condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack that occurred today during a Catholic service being held at Mindanao State University in Marawi, the Philippines," the US State Department said in a separate statement.
"We mourn those killed in the attack, and our thoughts are with the injured," it added.
The US said it is "in close contact with our Philippine partners and stands with the people of the Philippines in rejecting this act of violence."
The Islamic State militants earlier claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in Marawi, which was once conquered by Islamist militants for several months in 2017.
In the message application Telegram, the group admitted the attack stressing that its members had detonated the bomb.
Based on the initial investigation by authorities, an improvised explosive device exploded 15 minutes into the ceremony officiated by Fr. Benigno Flores Jr.