The alleged mastermind in the December 3, 2023 bomb attack inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City was killed in a military operation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday, February 12, 2024.

At least four people were killed and 45 others were wounded when a bomb exploded at the Dimaporo Gymnasium in MSU Marawi.

The military said Khadafi Mimbesa who reportedly went by the name “Engineer” was among those killed in military operations in Lanao del Sur in January.

Other members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) who were also responsible in the bomb attack were also killed during the operations.

One of the high value individuals in the DI-Maute Group who surrendered to authorities identified as alias “Khatab” provided the military initial information on the demise of the DI-Maute Group Amir and the mastermind behind the MSU bombing.

The military operations also resulted in the confiscation of high-powered guns and gadgets.

AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., lauded the troops in successfully pursuing those responsible in the bomb attack, even as he called on remnants of the terrorist group to surrender.

"Our troops will be relentless in the pursuit of those who will seek to disturb the peace. Take this as an invitation and a call to surrender now and avoid the same fate as your dead comrades," Brawner said.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines will always be a catalyst for peace and assures the public of the military's unwavering commitment to safeguarding peace and security in Mindanao and across the country," he added.