The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday, Dec. 6, revealed the names and photos of the two suspects believed responsible for the deadly bombing in Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City.
In a press briefing, PNP Public Information Office (PIO) Chief Jean Fajardo announced that the two suspects were identified as Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membesa who are both members of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI)-Maute group.
"Dalawa po ang persons of interests natin, pareho silang miyembro ng Dawlah Islamiya-Maute group. Ang isa nating suspects ay si Kadapi Mimbesa or alias Engineer, siya ang nakitang may dala ng ating pinaniniwalaan na pinaglagyan ng bomba po," she said.
"Ang pangalawa nating persons of interest ay si Arsani Membesa o alias Khatab, miyembro rin siya ng Dawlah Islamiya-Maute group," Fajardo added.
The PNP PIO Chief said the two DI-Mauter group members have standing warrants of arrest.
Based on the suspects' profiles released by the PNP, Kadapi has cases of kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and violation of illegal possession of explosives. Meanwhile, Arsani has murder case.
According to Fajardo, the police identified the two suspects through witnesses' narratives and the footage from the closed-circuit television (CCTV) outside the MSU - Marawi City.
"Base sa interview na nakalap natin sa mga witnesses natin na nagsisimba during the time na sumabog po yung bomba. Nakakuha po tayo ng CCTV ouside MSU ibinigay po nilang description ay nag-match po ito sa dalawa," she said.
The PNP PIO Chief said the PNP special task force will continue the probe to identify the remaining person of interest.
Four individuals were confirmed dead after a powerful explosion inside the Dimaporo Gymnasium of MSU - Marawi City amidst a Catholic mass on Sunday, Dec. 3.
