In the wake of the bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has called on colleges and universities to review their security policies to prevent a repeat of the horrific event. 

In a Facebook post, CHED Chair Prospero E. De Vera III condemned the bombing at the MSU Main Campus’  Dimaporo Gymnasium. The grenade was thrown during a conduct of Catholic mass last Sunday morning, leaving four dead and dozens injured. 

“Violence has no place in a civilized society, particularly in an institution of higher learning,” De Vera said. 

As chairman of the MSU Board of Regents, De Vera vowed to review the university’s safety and security measures and urge the board of other HEls to do the same.

Tightened security controls

For his part, MSU President Basari D. Mapupuno said the administration is actively collaborating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies to investigate the bombing. The MSU itself has created its own special investigation task force for the apprehension of the suspects of interest and the filing of criminal charges. 

In a video message on Facebook, Mapupuno also said the university has been provided with one company from the PNP Regional Battalion to augment the existing police keeping force. MSU now awaits an additional company of uniformed personnel from the AFP. 

“The campus is on full alert, with heightened police visibility and intensified checkpoints… We have also We have also identified 11 standby areas in the seven barangays of MSU,” Mapupuno said. 

On the academic front, consultations are underway “to address the aftermath’s academic challenges” with outcomes from the dialogue to be released the soonest. 

“Students and faculty are reassured that their safety and well-being remain top priorities,” Mapupuno added.