The joint forces of Task Force Marawi and Marawi City police have arrested one of the suspected “conspirators” in the Mindanao State University (MSU) bombing.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Jafar Gamo Sultan alias Jaf/Kurot was arrested on December 6 after the explosion at a Catholic mass that killed four and injured 45 last week.
“The suspect, who was apprehended in an operation in Brgy Dulay Proper in Marawi, is a companion of a certain Omar, the person identified by witnesses to have placed the improvised explosive device at the Dimaporo Gymnasium,” said the Armed Forces of the Philippines this Friday .
“Also seized by troops are two motorcyles.”
December 3rd when such an explosion occurred at MSU’s Dimaporo Gymnasium. The mass was attended by students and teachers. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the blast.
The authorities initially floated the revenge angle for the death of 11 members of Dawlah Islamiyah on December 1st in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Marawi university bombing suspect arrested
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has named two alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group behind the blast: Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membisa.
The pro-Islamic State government considers Dawlah Islamiyah. It will be remembered that the Department of National Defense said that there may be a “foreign element” in the bombing.
“This development shows the seriousness of the government in capturing the perpetrators of the terrorist attack on innocent civilians and in ensuring that similar incidents will not happen again,” AFP added.
“It also demonstrates the AFP’s commitment to its mandate as protector of the people and the state.”
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. condemned heinous crime and extended his condolences to the families.
In Rome, Pope Francis extended prayers for the victims during his Sunday address. In a separate written message, he appealed to “Christ the prince of peace” to grant strength to all and encourage a turning away from violence, urging the overcoming of every evil with good. The Pope’s message conveyed a plea for peace and reconciliation in the face of such tragic events.
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