The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has strongly condemned the violent attack at the gymnasium of Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City during a Catholic Mass last Dec. 3 and has mobilized a quick response operation (QRI) to provide assistance to the victims and their families.

The bombing has already claimed at least four lives and injured 45 others. President Marcos has assured that the full force of the law will be meted out to the perpetrators to render justice to the victims.

In a statement, the CHR lamented how the incident took place during the observance of the Mindanao Week of Peace.

"Such incidents of violence that seek to sow fear amongst people and intend to disrupt all efforts towards peacebuilding, especially in places of worship and learning, contradict the principles of International Humanitarian Law," the CHR said.

"We call out the perpetrators for their obvious dismissal of the shared responsibility to preserve human dignity and to respect the calls in defense of human rights," it said.

The CHR’s Region X QRO, aside from efforts to provide assistance to victims, would investigate the incident and exert efforts to pinpoint responsibilities even by non-state actors and armed groups.

It took note of the swift response by the government's security sector to hold the perpetrators accountable. "We are in one with the national government in contributing towards the resolution of this incident," it said.

"Not only do these incidents result in immediate pain and suffering, but also have a lasting impact on communities, depriving victims of their educational opportunities and creating a climate of fear among students, faculties, and families. These violent acts affront the values of peace and humanity," it lamented.

It pointed out that Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that education is a fundamental human right of all. Any attack on schools and places of learning is an attack on people's collective aspirations to build a better and brighter society, it said.

Also, it said that Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that “everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; to manifest [their] religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.”

While the bombing incident might have been perpetrated in the pursuit of religious beliefs, the CHR slammed it as a violation of the principle of co-existence. It said it is nothing but a "stain" on the reputation of faith communities around the world.

"The Commission extends its heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the bombing and their families and friends. We express our hope that this incident will not hinder our collective effort toward a just and lasting peace across the nation," it also said.