MARIING kinondena ng Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) ang pagpapasabog ng granada sa isang Catholic chapel sa Cotabato City noong Linggo.

Ayon sa OPAPRU, ang karima-rimarim na karahasan na ginawa nitong Pentecost Sunday, isang mahalagang araw para sa mga Katoliko, ay direktang pag-atake sa commitment ng mga Filipino para sa religious freedom at peaceful co-existence at pagpapakita ng kawalan pagpapahalaga sa buhay ng tao.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those injured in this incident and wish them a full and swift recovery. We stand in solidarity with the Catholic community of Cotabato City and the entire Bangsamoro region during these unforeseen challenges,” ayon sa inilabas na pahayag ng ahensya.

Kasabay nito, tiniyak ng OPAPRU na papanagutin ng national government kung sinoman ang nasa likod nito. “Authorities will exert all efforts to go after those responsible and bring them to justice.”

“Rest assured that this act of terror, which has no other aim but to sow fear, animosity and mistrust, will not slow down or dampen our resolve to achieving lasting peace, mutual understanding and solidarity in the Bangsamoro.”

Kasabay nito, nanawagan ang OPAPRU sa lahat ng mamamayan ng Cotabato City at maging sa ibang rehiyon, na manatiling mapagmatyag ang isumbong ang sinomang may kahina-hinalang ikinikilos.

“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,” ani Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. (JESSE KABEL RUIZ)