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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Justice served for Marawi blast victims, says AFP chief

Justice served for Marawi blast victims, says AFP chief

Published Jan 27, 2024 09:49 am

More than a month since the deadly bomb attack at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City, justice has finally been served as nine alleged Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) - Maute Group (MG) fighters including those tagged in the explosion have been killed in a series of counter-terrorism operation by the Philippine Army (PA) in Lanao del Sur, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Troops from the the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under the 103rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA) neutralized the DI-MG fighters led by a certain Mas'od in a series of operations in Brgy. Tapurong from Jan. 25 to 26, the military said.

"The precision and unwavering dedication exhibited in this operation, particularly in targeting the perpetrators of the Mindanao State University bombing on December 3, 2023, deliver swift and decisive justice for the victims of the despicable attack," AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

"This operation sets a clear precedent: the AFP will not tolerate those who endanger the lives and well-being of our people. The remaining few will face our full force and unshakeable resolve in bringing every single responsible individual to account," he added.

The AFP has yet to reveal the identities of the slain DI-MG militants.

But Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said three of the nine DI-MG fighters were "directly responsible" for the MSU bombing.

Aside from those killed, the troops also recovered nine high-powered firearms -- three M14 rifles, one Bushmaster rifle, two baby M16 rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, one M653 rifle, and one R4 rifle -- and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

On the government side, four personnel sustained injuries during the operation and were evacuated to Amai Pakpak Medical Center for medical treatment.

The bomb attack at the MSU was considered as the most violent incident in Marawi City since the 2017 siege.

Following the attack, the troops launched a series of operations which resulted to the arrest of a suspected accomplice on Dec. 6.

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Marawi City AFP
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