Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, in a manifestation speech at the Senate on Monday, 4 December, vehemently condemned the recent terrorist attack at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, which occurred during a mass on 3 December.

Go stressed the importance of unity in the face of terrorism, warning against allowing such acts to fuel sectarian hatred and division among Filipinos.

"We know that the function of terrorism is to terrorize people. If we allow ourselves to be terrorized, terrorists win. As such, we must remain united and should not allow this crime to trigger sectarian hatred and further animosity among Filipino people," said Go.

He recalled the resilience of Marawi's citizens in recovering from the 2017 siege, despite ongoing challenges, including insufficient compensation and reconstruction efforts.

"Our brothers and sisters in Marawi have already emerged from the dark ashes of the Marawi Siege," said Go.

"Hindi pa nga po talaga totally nakaka-recover ang mga kababayan natin. Tulad po ng nabanggit kanina, tuluy-tuloy pa rin po ang compensation, in fact, talagang kulang pa rin po ang compensation nila at hindi pa sila totally nakaka-recover doon. Ang mga gusali doon hindi pa naitatayo totally," he noted, reflecting on his visits to Marawi City with former president Rodrigo Duterte during the siege and the ongoing efforts to rebuild the city.

"Nalulungkot po ako na ito na naman po, mayroon na naman pong mga teroristang nananakot. We must not let another terrorist act derail efforts of achieving long-term peace and development in Marawi City, where people of different faiths have historically co-existed in harmony and mutual respect," said Go.

Along with his fellow senators, Go, vice chairperson of both the Senate Committees on National Defense and Public Order, urged law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against those responsible, calling for them to be punished to the full extent of the law.

"Moreover, acts of terrorism on educational institutions like MSU must be condemned. Ensuring the safety of students in schools from terrorist threats is a paramount priority for fostering a secure learning environment," he said.