Persons of interest in MSU bomb attack now at least 4—PNP

The persons of interest (POI) in the deadly bomb attack in Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City has risen to at least four, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday.
 

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said two earlier POIs have increased to at least 4, with two new POIs are possible lookouts prior to the bomb attack.

“Now we are looking for at least four persons. Maliban po dito sa POIs natin, may dalawa pa tayong tinitignan na indibidwal  na posibleng nag-serve as lookout  po dito sa nangyaring pagpapasabog,” she said.

(We are now looking for at least four persons. Aside from our earlier POIs, we are looking at another two individuals who possibly served as lookouts in the bomb attack)

Fajardo said investigators have already obtained CCTV footage captured outside the MSU. The video is being reviewed in efforts to backtrack the movements of the POIs.

Meanwhile, Fajardo added the two persons of interest they initially identified possess criminal records and could be affiliated with a local terrorist group operating in Mindanao.

The blast occurred at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday during a Catholic massbeing held at the Dimaporo Gymnasium of the university.

Four people were killed and six of the wounded are in stable condition at a hospital. 39 people who were hurt in the incident have already been discharged from the hospital.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is validating the claims of the Islamic State and Dawlah Islamiyah - Maute Group that they were responsible for the attack.—RF, GMA Integrated News