Raps filed vs. arrested MSU bombing suspect
Authorities secure the gymnasium of Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City on December 2, 2023, shortly after it was turned into a bloody crime scene. The university issued a statement condemning the attack, noting how it was carried out on a campus and targeted a religious ceremony attended by students, a first in MSU’s history. (Lanao Del Sur Provincial Government/REUTERS)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed criminal complaints against Jafar Gamo Sultan, one of the suspects in the Mindanao State University (MSU) bomb attack, who was arrested on December 6.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said they had already filed a case against Sultan, alias Kuro, for illegal possession of explosives and harboring a criminal.
“Noong December 11, ay nakapagsampa na rin tayo ng kaso ng illegal possession of explosives at harboring a criminal against kay Jafar Sultan alias Kuro. Hinihintay po natin yung resolution po niyan,” the police official said in a press briefing on Thursday.
(Last December 11, we already filed illegal possession of explosives and harboring criminal complaints against Sultan. We are just waiting for the resolution.)
Citing information they received, Fajardo revealed Sultan’s home was allegedly used by suspects Kadapi Mimbesa, alias “Engineer,” and Arsani Membisa, alias “Lapitos,” “Khatab,” or “Hatab” to meet and plan the attack.
During Sultan’s arrest, Fajardo said authorities were able to confiscate a grenade. The investigation also showed that the arrested suspect knew about the plan and that “Engineer” and “Lapitos” have pending arrest warrants.
She added that they are also preparing to file separate criminal charges against the two other suspects at large, along with two other persons of interest.
Earlier, the PNP revealed that the suspects who remain at large are allegedly members of the Maute group under the Daulah Islamiyah and are likewise involved in previous bombing incidents.
Moreover, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police office director Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza revealed that alias “Engineer” and alias “Lapitos” have reportedly secured a safehouse inside MSU’s compound and have lived there for a while.
