In commemoration of the Mindanao Week of Peace 2023, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma and Bishop Edwin dela Peña led the candle lighting ceremony on December 11 to honor the blast victims at Dimaporo Gymnasium of Mindanao State University (MSU), Sunday, December 3, that claimed four lives and wounded 45 others.
In the solemn rite, Bishop dela Peña thanked the people's helping hands during the frantic situation.
"Thank you very much to those tricycle drivers who helped transport the victims to the hospital, our doctors who helped kahit pa weekend, and all the people who responded promptly during the incident. What an inspiring expression of solidarity. We will never forget," he said.
Bishop dela Peña emphasized that they do not blame the university for what happened. He said the only thing everyone can do is to help each other, regardless of religion, for the sake of safety and security of students.
Meanwhile, lawyer Rashid Pandi, MSU presidential management staff chief, shared that the university is doing its power to reach out to the victims and provide adequate assistance.
He also urged the university's faculty and staff to encourage students to voice their grievances and sentiments, acknowledging it as the best way to move forward.
"We must care for one another regardless of our origins. Like them, we demand justice. Together, we'll demonstrate our commitment, not neglecting or abandoning them. Our actions will speak volumes. We move forward together, but listening is crucial too," Pandi said (JND/PIA Lanao del Sur)
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