The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) condemned on Tuesday, May 21, the grenade attack at a Catholic chapel in Cotabato City which injured two persons.
The attack occurred on Sunday, May 19, when two motorcycle-riding suspects threw an explosive inside the Chapel of Senior Sto. Nino on Sesame St., Purok Bagong Silang, Rosary Heights 3, Cotabato City around 10:50 a.m.
“This horrendous act of violence, carried out on Pentecost Sunday, a day of religious significance for Catholics, is a direct attack on the Filipino people’s commitment to religious freedom and peaceful co-existence and blatant disregard for human life,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said.
The blast injured churchgoers Rosita Tobil, 65, and Marites Atis, 37.
The peace adviser extended sympathies to the families of the wounded victims as he hopes them a full and swift recovery.
“We stand in solidarity with the Catholic community of Cotabato City and the entire Bangsamoro region during this unforeseen challenges,” Galvez said.
Meanwhile, an investigation was conducted to identify and arrest the two suspects.
“The national government will ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be held accountable for their actions. Authorities will exert all efforts to go after those responsible and bring them to justice,” Galvez said.
He noted that the latest attack, describing it as an “act of terror,” has no other aim but “to sow fear, animosity and mistrust” in the society.
He, however, said this will not slow down or dampen the government’s resolve to achieve lasting peace, mutual understanding and solidarity in the Bangsamoro region.
“We urge everyone in Cotabato City and across the region to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the proper authorities. Let us all work together to prevent such tragedies from happening again, and to help foster a more peaceful, inclusive and harmonious environment that respects the diverse faiths within our communities,” Galvez concluded.