President Marcos condemns Marawi blast

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday condemned the “ruthless” bombing in Marawi City that left four people dead and 45 others injured.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists upon the Mindanao State University (MSU) and Marawi communities early this Sunday morning,” Marcos posted on X, formerly Twitter.

He said extremists who wield violence against the innocent would always be regarded as “enemies to our society.”

“I extend my most heartfelt condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and the communities that have been the target of this latest assault on peace,” he added.

Marcos has directed the police and military to ensure the protection and safety of civilians and the security of affected and vulnerable communities.

“Rest assured, we will bring the perpetrators of this ruthless act to justice,” the Chief Executive said.

The national government is closely coordinating with the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and concerned local governments, Marcos noted.

“I thank them for their swift and immediate response to the incident and for their ready support to the victims,” he said.

Marcos also appealed to the public to be circumspect as updates on the bombing continue to develop.

“As reports come in throughout the day, I enjoin all of us to remain calm, circumspect, and conscientious in our collective efforts to ensure that the horrific events of this morning are not further compounded by inaccurate, unvetted, and unofficial information,” he said.

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed condolences and said that the explosion inside the MSU gymnasium yesterday morning was a worrisome act of violence delivered by “cowards.”

“I call on all Filipinos, especially Mindanaoans, to be calm while the authorities conduct their investigation. We also need to be careful and vigilant so that we can prevent further attacks on civilians,” she said.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro condemned the “heinous act of terror” and gave assurance that “units on the ground have already heightened their security measures in and around Marawi City to prevent