CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Following the gunning down of two students at the Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus in Marawi City, students on Friday, September 17, have demanded from the school administration security measures anew to stop killings inside the government-run learning institution.
MSU’s student publication the Mindanao Varsitarian has condemned the killings and demanded justice for the victims.
“As a student-friendly institution, the Mindanao State University should uphold utmost peace and security among its students and staff. Such cases not only stain the good image of the university but also resulted in fear among students and hinder them from continuing their usual lives within the campus vicinity,” the school paper said in a Facebook post.
Killed at the university’s commercial center on the evening of Sept. 14 were Hamza Rauf, a Physical Education student, and Zinal Omar, a civil engineering student. Both were in their third year.
Lt. Col. Nelson Madiwo, Marawi city police chief, told reporters witnesses saw two suspects on board a motorcycle with no plate number at the crime scene.
Recovered were four empty shells from a caliber .40 pistol.
“We now have information on the suspects and we are conducting pursuit operations right now,” Madiwo said.
In an online interview Thursday evening, Asmerah Sarip, Mindanao Varsitarian editor-in-chief, said many students have felt the chilling effect of the shooting as parents were concerned for the safety of their children.
“The fear has eased temporarily as the campus has been busy with the laptop distribution,” Sarip said, noting the presence of security personnel inside the campus during the distribution, which started Sept. 16.
Dr. Habib Macaayong, MSU system president, has joined the students in condemning the killings.
“The MSU-Main Campus Administration and the entire appalled community condemn the insensate fatal shooting of two students yesterday. This abominable act of violence is an assault on the ideals that we as a civilized, God-fearing, and peace-loving Muslim community lives by,” Macaayaong said.