MANILA, Philippines: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has made a breakthrough in the investigation of the bombing incident at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City. According to a spokesperson for the AFP, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack.
The suspect, identified as Jafar Gamo Sultan, also known as Jaf/Kurot, was apprehended by Task Force Marawi in Barangay Dulay Proper in Marawi. The arrest was made based on an intelligence report and witness accounts. Sultan’s affiliation with a terror group is yet to be confirmed.
The bombing occurred during a Catholic mass on December 3, where a 60-mm mortar was detonated, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and numerous injuries. The capture of Sultan is a significant development in the government’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of this terrorist attack to justice.
Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, Chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of innocent civilians and preventing similar incidents from happening in the future. He stated, “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. It also demonstrates the AFP’s commitment to its mandate as protector of the people and the state.”
During the arrest, two motorcycles were seized along with Sultan. Additionally, witnesses had identified another individual named Omar as the person responsible for placing the improvised explosive device at the Dimaporo Gymnasium, suggesting the involvement of multiple suspects.
The suspect will be turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for further investigation. Chief Romeo Brawner of the AFP, who was attending a Christmas party at Camp Aguinaldo, has instructed his team to provide him with a progress report on the ongoing operations against other individuals involved in the explosion.
In a related development, the PNP has released a cartographic sketch of two suspects believed to be operatives of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group. The individuals, identified as Kadapi Mimbesa (alias Engineer) and Arsani Membisa (alias Katab/Papitos), match the descriptions of the individuals seen entering the MSU premises and inside the gymnasium prior to the explosion.
The arrest of Jafar Gamo Sultan and the ongoing investigation into the bombing incident highlight the government’s determination to combat terrorism and protect its citizens. The collaboration between the AFP and the PNP signifies their commitment to working together in bringing those responsible for this heinous act to justice.
As the investigation progresses, the authorities will continue to rely on intelligence reports, witness testimonies, and any available evidence to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the bombing. The government’s swift action in capturing the suspects sends a strong message that acts of terror will not go unpunished, and that the safety and security of the Filipino people remain a top priority.
Source: The Manila Times
