CHR denounces attack on Cotabato City chapel

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday issued a statement denouncing the bombing of a chapel during a mass in Cotabato City. 

"The Commission deplores all acts of violence, especially those targeted against groups who identify with certain religious beliefs, as these run counter to the progress that we have reached towards promoting religious freedom across the country," the CHR said. 

Two women were injured during the incident which took place in Barangay Rosary Heights 3 on May 19, 2024.

"It must be noted that last year, 05 December 2023, the CHR also issued a statement on the bombing of a Catholic Mass in Marawi City. This is the second time in a span of a few months that these bombings have occurred in places of worship in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)," it added. 

The women, 40 years old and 65 years old, were attending a fellowship when unknown perpetrators threw a grenade at the chapel.

"We echo the call that people of faith should be able to freely exercise their beliefs as this is enshrined in both domestic policies and international human rights standards," the CHR emphasized. 

Presidential peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier this week urged residents of Cotabato City and other areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to "remain vigilant" following the attack.

Galvez said the grenade-throwing incident "is a direct attack on the Filipino people's commitment to religious freedom and peaceful co-existence and blatant disregard for human life."

Police have identified the suspect, who is facing frustrated murder charges, but did not disclose the name.

"The Commission is one with the government in addressing this matter. We welcome the efforts currently being pursued by the Cotabato City Police to investigate this matter and ensure that accountability is exacted upon the perpetrators," CHR said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News