By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Solidarity is not only during good times but most importantly during challenging times and this was proven by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) when the bloc condemned the recent fatal explosion at a gymnasium in Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, resulting in at least four deaths and 50 injuries.

On Saturday (December 9), Maharlika NuMedia learned that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has expressed gratitude to the ASEAN for its immediate condemnation of the tragic incident that was allegedly perpetrated by the terrorist Maute Group of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Daulah Islamiyah.

The ASEAN has released a statement expressing: “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families.”

“We thank the ASEAN community for their solidarity. As we pursue justice against the perpetrators, we welcome any future assistance from ASEAN to bolster intelligence, preventing the recurrence of such incidents,” said Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano.

He added: “Rest assured, we are dedicated to establishing peace and order in our beloved country.”

The IS earlier claimed responsibility for the December 3 Sunday attack, which occurred during a Catholic Mass, celebrating the First Sunday of Advent, in the Dimaporo Gymnasium inside the MSU campus.

Marawi City was previously devastated in 2017 after five months of military campaign against Maute-IS members and followers.

(AI/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Police authorities made a breakthrough when two suspects in a deadly bomb attack during a Catholic mass at the Mindanao State University (MSU) last weekend were finally identified.

On Wednesday (December 6), the Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the suspects as Kadapi Mimbesa also known as “Engineer”, and Arsani Mimbesa alias “Lapitos, both members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group.

Police said “Engineer” is believed to be an improvised explosive device (IED) expert who has existing warrants of arrest for cases of kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and illegal possession of explosive devices.

A female victim identified Kadapi Mimbesa who sat beside her inside MSU’s gymnasium in Marawi during Sunday’s attack.

Bangsamoro police chief PBGen. Allan Nobleza said the unidentified witness was able to identify Kadapi Mimbesa even with a mask because they had eye contact.

“The suspect was seated on her right side of the chair, he acted so suspiciously and he was uneasy and he was on his phone calling somebody while the left of his arm was fixing something under the chair,” Nobleza said.

(ai/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Amid the tensions that gripped Marawi City following the Sunday blast during a Catholic mass at the gymnasium of Mindanao State University (MSU), Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. on Monday ruled out that it was a “suicide bombing” that the Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the attack which killed at least four people and injured 50 others.

In a statement on its Telegram channels, the IS group said that “soldiers of the caliphate detonated an explosive device on a large gathering of Christians… in the city of Marawi.”

To recall, Marawi City — the country’s largest Muslim city — was besieged by pro-IS Maute and Abu Sayyaf extremists, including foreign and local fighters —  in 2017 during the previous Duterte administration.

After five months of fierce gunbattle, the Philippine military recovered the ruined city and more than 1,000 lives had been wasted.

“Hindi (suicide bombing),” Adiong Jr said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

For his part, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra strongly condemned the Sunday bombing and urged members of the Muslim and Christian communities to remain united.

“Our city has long been a beacon of peaceful coexistence and harmony, and we will not allow such acts of violence to overshadow our collective commitment to peace and unity,” Gandamra said.

(ai/mnm)