US condemns ‘horrific terrorist attack’; Israel in solidarity with PH

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MANILA, Philippines — The United States (US) condemned the “horrific terrorist attack” at a Catholic Mass inside Dimaporo Gym at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City.

In a statement issued Monday (Philippine time), US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said his government joins the Philippines in mourning the loss of lives in the deadly bombing.

“The US condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack that occurred during a Catholic service being held at Mindanao State University in Marawi, the Philippines. We mourn those killed in the attack, and our thoughts are with the injured,” he said.

“The US is in close contact with our Philippine partners and stands with the people of the Philippines in rejecting this act of violence,” he added.

Israel, meanwhile, expressed its solidarity with the Philippines and the Filipino people in the wake of the “despicable terrorist attack.”

The embassy of Israel in Manila asserted that terrorism “is a global threat that needs collective unity among nations.”

“[We condemn] the heinous act of terrorism perpetrated at Mindanao State University in Marawi City. Our hearts go out to the victims and their bereaved families, and we extend our deepest condolences and sympathy during this difficult time. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” it said in a statement.

“Israel is in solidarity with the Philippine government and Filipino people in face of this despicable terrorist attack. Terrorism is a global threat that needs collective unity among nations to safeguard the well-being of all people and communities,” it added.

According to the Philippine National Police, the explosion claimed the lives of four people and wounded 50 others.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday vowed to bring “the perpetrators of this senseless act to justice.”

READ: Bongbong Marcos vows to bring ‘ruthless’ MSU-Marawi bombers to justice

He denounced “the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists.”

Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying on Telegram that its members had detonated the explosive.

The Islamic State group wields influence in the country’s south. Islamist militants besieged Marawi City for five months in 2017.

Police and the military strengthened security in Mindanao and around Metro Manila. since the bombing on Sunday, December 3.