PNP shows photos of 2 persons of interest behind bombing of MSU

Person of interest No. 1 or the back rider. (Photo courtesy of PNP PIO)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday revealed the faces of two other “persons of interest” (POIs) who were caught on CCTV transporting a bag allegedly containing the bomb used inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) gym in Marawi City last December 3.

Person of interest No. 2 or the driver of the motorcycle. (Photo courtesy of PNP PIO)

Apart from the first two suspects, Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said they were able to spot the two after the Special Investigation Task Group backtracked the CCTV footage within the area. She likewise specified that “POI 1” drove the motorcycle, while “POI 2” was the pillion rider carrying the bag.

“Yung dalawang persons of interest ay makikita sila na pumunta sa MSU gym ng around 6:08 a.m.,” Fajardo said in a press briefing.

(These two POIs were seen going to MSU gym around 6:08 a.m.)

“Nakita sila before the explosion kung mapapansin niyo po yung backrider yung nakawhite na long sleeves at khaki pants ay may bitbit na bag na pinaniniwalaan natin na nandun sa loob yung mismong bomba ginamit sa loob ng MSU,” she added.

(They were spotted before the explosion, and as you can see, the backrider wearing white long sleeves and khaki pants was carrying a bag allegedly containing the bomb.)

While showing a picture of the bag, Fajardo said the shape of its bumps could indicate that it indeed contains the 60-mm mortar bomb and rocket-propelled grenade used for the attack.

She also revealed that POI 1 was seen hanging the bag near the area.

The PNP official explained that they released the faces of the two POIs to ask the public for help.

Earlier, Fajardo identified the first two suspects in the case as Kadapi Mimbesa, alias “Engineer,” and Arsani Membisa, who have three aliases, “Lapitos,” “Khatab,” and “Hatab.”

READ: 2 suspects in MSU explosion are members of DI Maute group, says PNP

Citing police records, Fajardo reported that both suspects are purportedly members of the Maute group under the Daulah Islamiyah, were involved in previous bombing incidents, and had pending arrest warrants.

READ: BARMM police says 2 suspects in Marawi blast are MSU ‘residents’

Meanwhile, on November 8, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the arrest of a new suspect, identified as Jafar Gamo Sultan. He was apprehended two days prior by the joint elements of the military’s Task Force Marawi and Marawi City Police.