THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday confirmed the death of the alleged mastermind behind the deadly bomb attack that happened at Mindanao State University (MSU) late last year.
The alleged mastermind was identified as Khadafi Mimbesa, also known as alias “Engineer,” an amir or commander of the Dawlah Islamiyah – Maute Group.
“The efforts of the (Philippine Army) 103rd Brigade, under the leadership of their commander, Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr. resulted in the neutralization of local terrorists and armed members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) in Lanao del Sur on January 25-26, 2024, who were identified as perpetrators of the fatal bombing at Mindanao State University (MSU) on December 3, 2023,” said Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Chief, AFP-PAO.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Mimbesa’s death after a high-value target and member of the DI-Maute Group, alias “Khatab”, surrendered to the 2nd Mechanized Brigade last Sunday.
“Statements from a surrendered terrorist, identified as Khatab, a high-value individual in the DI-Maute Group who surrendered to the 2nd Mechanized Brigade on February 11, have corroborated the initial information on demise of the DI-Maute Group Amir and the mastermind behind the MSU bombing,” he added.
During the operation, nine high-powered firearms, a bandolier, four handheld radios, and a cellular phone were recovered.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) lauded this as a significant development, especially in the pursuit of justice for the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic bombing.
