In a tragic incident at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, four students lost their lives and at least ten others sustained injuries during an explosion on Sunday. Authorities suspect that a terrorist group seeking revenge for the death of its leader and ten members in a recent encounter with the military may be responsible for the attack.
The blast occurred during a Catholic Mass inside the MSU gymnasium, according to PBGEN Allan C. Nobleza, the regional director of the Provincial Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR).
Immediately after the incident, the police, led by PCol. Robert S. Daculan, the provincial director, cordoned off the site of the bombing. The MSU Security Force, under the leadership of Chief Security Taha Mandangan, was instructed to transport the injured to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, while the deceased were left at the scene of the blast.
As of now, one of the fatalities has been identified as Junrey Barbante from the College of Business Administration and Accounting. Among the injured are Linda Bill (69 years old), Maria Rowina Laurrei (41 years old) from the Fisheries Extension in Agusan del Sur, Daisy Mae Dumapias (22 years old) from Annex Cottage in Lanao del Norte, Dianbe Rose Dumapias, Paulino Udtohani Jr, and Aaron Fuertz from the Fisheries Extension, Ronald Tabibina from the College of Engineering at MSU, and Reina Mae Fernandez, Charisse Baguhin, and Zephaniya Artigas from the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences.
The police have obtained CCTV footage from the Philippine National Bank (PNB), located near the MSU Gymnasium, to aid in their investigation.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have confirmed the occurrence of the bombing. The military is currently investigating the incident, considering revenge as a possible motive for the attack. The terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah, which lost eleven members, including their leader, in an encounter in Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday, is under scrutiny.
This unfortunate incident at MSU has shocked the local community and the nation as a whole. The loss of young lives and the injuries sustained by the students have deeply saddened everyone. The university authorities are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
It is crucial during these difficult times to stand united against acts of violence and terrorism. The safety and well-being of students and educational institutions must be a top priority. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance in educational institutions across the country.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims, as well as the entire MSU community. May they find strength and solace during this trying period. Let us hope for a swift resolution to the investigation and a peaceful future for the students of Mindanao State University.
Source: The Manila Times
