SENATOR Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa called those behind the bombing incident inside Mindanao State University in Marawi City terrorists.

“Peace, love, and respect are the norms of the day between Muslim & Christian students in MSU before and even after this horrific incident. I am sure the ones responsible are not Muslims nor Christians, they are terrorists,” Dela Rosa said.

However, he admitted that he has no information yet on who are the perpetrators but hopes that the incident is not a misplaced aggression concerning the Hamas-Israeli war.

“I am begging for answers on the same question if indeed it was carried out by local terrorists sympathetic to Hamas why kill fellow Filipinos? These Christian Filipinos are not Jews in the same manner that the Jews are not Christians. Why?” he added.

Meanwhile, more senators condemned the incident and called on authorities to do whatever it takes to bring the perpetrators to justice and go after their networks.

“The crackdown against unlawful elements, including terrorists, will be relentless with the vigilance of our local communities,” Senator Grace Poe said.

For his part, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said this heinous crime has no justification and must be strongly condemned by all.

“Ang ganitong klase ng paghahasik ng karahasan kung kailan isinasagawa pa naman ang Mindanao Week of Peace at bilang paghihiganti diumano ng isang grupo ng terrorista ay walang puwang sa ating Lipunan,” Estrada stressed.

Senator Nancy Binay, meanwhile, reminded that Filipino people are for peace in Mindanao and will not be cowed by threats or terror.

Senator Manuel Lito Lapid assured the public that the Senate is ready to help the families of the victims of the tragedy as well as to cooperate with the investigation.

“Umaapela po tayo sa ating mga kapatid na Muslim at mga Kristiyano sa Mindanao na panatilihin ang hinahon at kapayapaan upang maiwasan ang paglala pa ng sitwasyon sa rehiyon,” Lapid said.