The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Caritas Philippines, has condemned the explosion inside the Dimaporo Gymnasium at Mindanao State University (MSU) on Sunday morning, Dec. 3.

In a statement, Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo expressed his reflection on the incident, calling it a "blatant act of terror."
"I am appalled by the blatant act of terror that the perpetrators were able to commit, especially at this time when we are celebrating the Mindanao Week of Peace!" Bagaforo said.
The explosion occurred during a Catholic mass at about 7 a.m. at the Dimaporo Gymnasium of MSU, leaving three people dead and seven others injured in Marawi City.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/3/3-dead-7-hurt-in-marawi-blast
The group called for a thorough investigation into this heinous act by stating, "The perpetrators must be swiftly identified, apprehended, and brought to justice to ensure that such atrocities do not go unpunished."
The organization extended its condolences to the victims and their families affected by the incident.
Bagaforo also appealed to the government to ensure the security and safety of Christian gatherings, especially during the Christmas season.
"Concerted efforts must be made to prevent the recurrence of such violent incidents and to safeguard the fundamental right to worship without fear of anyone," he added.