Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday strongly condemned the “heinous terrorist attack in Marawi” last weekend, which killed four people and injured over 70 others.
The regional bloc said it is ready to work with the Philippine government following the blast during a mass celebration at the Mindanao State University (MSU) gymnasium last Dec. 3.
\”We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery,\” ASEAN said in a statement.
\”We stand in solidarity and are ready to work with the Government and people of the Philippines during this difficult time,\” it also said. \”We also reaffirm our commitment to continue, strengthen, and enhance regional counterterrorism cooperation to prevent recurrence of terrorist incident in the future.\”
Government forces arrested one of the suspects on Wednesday during an operation in Barangay Dulay Proper.
The suspect was an accomplice of a certain Omar, whom witnesses said placed the improvised explosive device at the university gymnasium, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that it welcomes any assistance from other Southeast Asian governments.
\”While we have started our efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, we welcome any future assistance that the ASEAN may extend to further enhance intelligence to prevent any similar incident from happening again,\” said DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano in a statement.
