Hontiveros urges gov't: Secure public places this holiday season following MSU-Marawi bombing
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, December 4 urged authorities to strengthen security efforts in schools and other public places to ensure the safety of the public especially during this holiday season.
Hontiveros made the call in light of the deadly blast that hit the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City on Sunday, December 3.
"Nanawagan din ako sa ating law enforcement agencies na palakasin ang security efforts sa mga eskwela at iba pang pampublikong lugar upang maiwasan ang anumang banta sa seguridad ngayong holiday season (I call on our law enforcement agencies to strengthen security efforts in schools and other public establishments to prevent any threat to security this holiday season)," Hontiveros said in a statement.
"Our schools and universities serve as a second home, not just for students but also for the community at large,”
“We must do all we can to ensure that places of learning continue to be safe spaces for all - where people learn, express, worship and love freely,” she said.
Investigators have said Islamic State militants have claimed responsibility for the bombing at MSU-Marawi that killed at least four people and injured 50 others on Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. as a Mass was being held at the gym attended by students and teachers.
Hontiveros said she believes the attack was meant to sow division and distrust among Filipinos.
She joined other lawmakers in calling on the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of National Defense (DND) and other law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter and ensure that the perpetrators behind the gruesome attack is prosecuted.
“There can be no justification for this act of pure evil and hate,” the lawmaker said.
“Since foreign terrorists are allegedly involved in the bombing, we must enhance our border security and ensure that the culprits will not escape prosecution, and that they will have no chance to ruin more lives,” she pointed out.
“Make no mistake - this attack is meant to sow division and distrust among Filipinos. Our unity, our solidarity, and our love for each other will defeat this act of terror,” she stressed.