MSU bombing 'mastermind' killed in Lanao military ops —AFP

The alleged mastermind in the deadly bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City  last December has been killed in a military operation in Lanao del Sur, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.

In a statement, the AFP said Khadafi Mimbesa or “Engineer" was also the amir or leader of Dawlah Islamiyah - Maute Group.

“Statements from a surrendered terrorist, identified as KHATAB, a high-value individual in the DI-Maute Group who surrendered to the 2nd Mechanized Brigade on February 11, have corroborated the initial information on demise of the DI-Maute Group Amir and the mastermind behind the MSU bombing,” the AFP said.

From January 25 to 26, the military conducted operations that resulted in the deaths of nine alleged Dawlah Islamiyah members.

The military had initially reported that among those who were killed was Saumay Saiden (also known as Ustadz Omar, Abu Omar, Saumay), one of four primary suspects in the MSU bombing.

Also reported killed was Abdul Hadi (also known as Hodi Imam, Abday'N) who allegedly assembled the improvised explosive device used in the bombing incident.

On December 3, 2023, four people were killed while 45 others were hurt after the blast occurred at the Dimaporo Gymnasium at MSU. —KG, GMA Integrated News