Senators urge full probe, caution following arrest of MSU blast suspect

FILE PHOTO: Police officers patrol the Mindanao State University campus in Marawi City on Monday, December 4, 2023,  a day after the bomb attack at Mohammad Ali B. Dimaporo Gymnasium while a Catholic Mass was being celebrated. More policemen and soldiers have been sent to the Lanao del Sur provincial capital to secure the campus. —LEAH D. AGONOY

MANILA, Philippines — Senators asked law enforcers to conduct a full investigation into the December 3 bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City following the arrest of one of the suspects.

Senator Imee Marcos lauded the arrest of Jafar Gamo Sultan on Wednesday, December 6, but urged authorities to continue their pursuit until the masterminds are arrested.

In a statement Friday, she also urged the public to work together for lasting peace in Mindanao and not to let corrupt officials “exploit” the MSU tragedy for personal gain.

READ: Catholic leaders vow to keep peace efforts in Mindanao

Minority Leader Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, meanwhile, reminded arresting officers that suspects are still presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“Follow the evidence and charge those [involved], always remembering that these people are presumed innocent until proven guilty and their rights should be respected all the time,” he said in a separate statement also on Friday.

The deadly explosion occurred while a morning Advent Sunday Mass was ongoing inside a gymnasium at MSU, leaving four people dead and 50 others wounded.

Authorities said Sultan was an alleged companion of a certain “Omar,” who, according to witnesses, was the one who placed the improvised explosive device at MSU’s Dimaporo Gymnasium.

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