European Ambassador to the Philippines, Luc Véron, has strongly denounced the recent bombing at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, stating that violence has no place in educational institutions. Expressing his deep sadness over the incident, Ambassador Véron took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his sentiments.
“It’s deeply disheartening to learn of today’s explosion at Mindanao State University in Marawi. Violence has no place in schools,” Ambassador Véron wrote on Sunday.
He further expressed his concern for the injured students and extended his sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic incident.
Joining in the condemnation, United States Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, also utilized the X platform to convey her deepest condolences on behalf of the US government.
“We condemn this act of violence and support efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable,” Ambassador Carlson stated.
Japanese Ambassador to Manila, Koshikawa Kazuhiko, expressed his deep sadness over the tragedy at MSU and reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting the peace process in Mindanao, emphasizing the importance of achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region.
The French Embassy in Manila described the bombing of the MSU gym during a Mass as “despicable.” They expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and assured the authorities and the Filipino people of their solidarity in the face of this terrorist attack.
It is heartening to see the international community standing together in condemning such acts of violence and offering support to the Philippines during this difficult time. The statements from these ambassadors reflect the shared values of peace, security, and the importance of education.
Violence in schools not only disrupts the learning environment but also threatens the safety and well-being of students and faculty. It is essential for educational institutions to be sanctuaries of knowledge, growth, and development, free from any form of violence or terror.
The bombing at MSU serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace. The peace process in Mindanao, which has received support from various nations, including Japan, plays a crucial role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
As the investigation into the bombing unfolds, it is imperative that the perpetrators be held accountable for their heinous actions. The international community, represented by these ambassadors, stands united in supporting the authorities’ efforts to bring justice to the victims and prevent future acts of violence.
It is important to recognize the impact of such incidents on the local community and the need for solidarity and support during these challenging times. The expressions of sympathy and condemnation from the European, American, Japanese, and French ambassadors provide comfort and reassurance to the Filipino people.
While the tragedy at MSU has shaken the nation, it is crucial to remember that resilience and unity are key in overcoming such acts of violence. The international community’s commitment to supporting the peace process in Mindanao and promoting a safe and secure learning environment for all students remains unwavering.
Together, we can strive for a world where education is cherished, violence is condemned, and peace prevails.
Source: The Manila Times
