A Midsayap blast victim said, "He is very mabait,” referring to President Duterte after his visit.

17 was injured in the MIDSAYAP attack.

The grenade attack came as the Christmas Eve mass was in progress inside the Sto. Nino Archdiocesan Shrine, MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato at about 9:30 p.m that injured at least 17, including a police officer. The police said that one of the major causes of this attack was the successful anti-drug operation. Mayor Romeo Arania of Midsayap also believed the attack was not directed toward the church but for the police.

A blast victim Cheyserr Rosete, 28, who was hit in the legs while standing outside the church, was grateful the President saw her. “He is very handsome, he looked at me straight in the eyes as he talked to me," the visibly elated Rosete told reporters after the President left. She also added, "He is very mabait,”. Rosete said she was traumatized by the incident but after seeing the President "medyo ok na ako."

And according to another blast victim, Jessa Banlawi the mass was about to end when the explosion happened. But she was too happy meeting the president personally and recalled that the president vowed to shoulder all medical expenses.

As he left the hospital, a huge crowd of Midsayapenios greeted the President in front of Pesante Hospital. “Duterte! Duterte!” the crowd chanted as the President emerged from the medical facility.