The governments of South Korea, China, and Australia joined other nations in condoling with the bereaved families of the victims of the deadly terrorist bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Security personnel survey the damage at the Mindanao State University's gymnasium in Marawi City (Provincial Government of Lanao Del Sur/Facebook)
In separate social media posts, foreign diplomatic posts expressed their sympathies with the victims of the blast and raised concern against the “heinous attack.”
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian condemned the killing of innocent people in a post on Facebook.
“Our hearts go to the victims and their bereaved families of the horrific bombing as well as those affected in Mindanao State University ... Violence against civilians has no place in the world. We condemn the killing of innocent people in Marawi,” he wrote.
The South Korean Embassy in the Philippines also expressed “deep concern” about the violence last Dec. 3 that has so far killed 11 people and injured several others when an explosion happened inside the MSU’s gymnasium during a Catholic mass there.
“Violence, especially against innocent civilians, can never be tolerated under any circumstances,” the embassy said on Facebook.
“As the Philippines mourns the tragic loss of lives, the Embassy stands in solidarity with the government and people of the Philippines. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families,” it added.
Australian Ambassador to Manila Hae Kyong Yu likewise expressed Australia’s solidarity with the Philippines.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We (Australia) will continue to stand with the (Philippines) in all efforts to bring those responsible to justice,” she said on X (formerly Twitter).
Terrorist group ISIL (ISIS) has since claimed responsibility for the attack in a city that has already witnessed pro-ISIL fighters leading a five-month siege in 2017 that killed more than 1,000 people.
Authorities earlier said that the attack may have been a retaliation for a military operation nearby that killed 11 Islamist rebels.
Police also reported that they were investigating at least two people of interest over the attacks.