FACT SHEET ON MSU BOMBING

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao_State_University_bombing
Compiled by Tactical Foundation, 8 Dec 2023

Mindanao State University bombing

Part of terrorism in the Philippines

The bombing site inside the Dimaporo gymnasium.

Law enforcement checking the site of the bombing
On December 3, 2023 at around 7:30am, during a Mass being
conducted at the Dimaporo gymnasium of Mindanao State
University in Marawi, an improvised explosive device detonated[6]
[7]
after the Kyrie portion.[3][8] There were around 60 attendees of the
Mass,[9] which was presided by Franciscan priest Benigno Flores Jr.,
who survived the incident.[3][8]

The explosion killed four people,[10][11] and injured at least 72 others.

[12]
Police said that the bombing was not a suicide attack.[6] An
eyewitness reportedly saw a man placing a bag believed to contain
the bomb,[13] while CCTV footage showed the two suspected bombers
arriving at the gymnasium on a motorcycle at around 7:03 am and
staying there for eight minutes.[14] The explosion produced a crater in
the gymnasium floor. ABS-CBN reported that the IED, which was
composed of a 60mm mortar round and an RPG high-explosive anti-
personnel MEUG, had been concealed in a black tote bag.[15]

Authorities said that a bomb threat was circulated the night before
the incident. The sender threatened to bomb Marawi but did not
specify their target.[16]

The incident has been compared with the 2019 Jolo Cathedral
bombings.[17]

Marawi
Perpetrators[edit]
Marawi (Philippines)
On the same day of the bombing, Islamic State (IS) claimed
Location Marawi, Philippines responsibility.[18] The claim of the international group is being
Coordinates validated.[19][20] Other groups suspected are IS-affliate Maute
7°59′41.0″N 124°15′24.8″E Group and the Abu Sayyaf.[21]
Date December 3, 2023 (PST)
Target Civilians It was speculated that the bombing was a retaliation against the
Philippine government. State forces have killed 21 members of the
Weapon 60-mm mortar [1]
Dawlah Islamiyah group since June 2023. Two days before the
Deaths 4 bombing, 11 members of the Dawlah Islamiya were killed in clashes
with the Philippine Army in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao del
Injured 72
Sur, while Abu Sayyaf leader and Dawlah Islamiyah central
Perpetrators committee member Mudzrimar Sawadjaan was killed in a separate
Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group
clash with government forces in Basilan a day before the attack.[22]
On December 3, 2023, a bombing occurred during a Roman
Catholic Mass at the gymnasium of Mindanao State Authorities also reached out to Muslim leaders and security analysts
University in Marawi, Philippines, killing four people. for the bombings link to the 2023 Israel–Hamas war. The consensus
is that the incident is unrelated but the government is not discounting
this angle.[20]
Background[edit]
Main articles: Moro conflict, Philippines and the Islamic State, The Philippine National Police (PNP) identified two "persons of
and Terrorism in the Philippines interest" in relation to the bombing. Both reside in Lanao del Sur.[23]
[24]
They are Arseni Lumen Membisa and Wahab Sandigan
Marawi is a Muslim-majority city in Lanao del Sur in Bangsamoro, an Macabayao from the Dawlah Islamiyah group and are also members
autonomous region in Mindanao in the southern Philippines, a of the Maute Group.[9][25] Membisa, also known as "Lapitos", was
country whose population is predominantly Catholic. In 2017, over identified as the one who drove to motorcycle used to transport the
1,100 people were killed in a five-month siege between Islamic bomb, while another suspected Maute member and explosives
State-affiliated insurgents and the Armed Forces of the expert, Kadapi Mimbesa also known as "Engineer", was believed to
Philippines (AFP) in Marawi.[2] have planted the bomb inside the gymnasium after he was identified
by an attendee of the mass.[14] Mimbesa was subsequently identified
Mindanao State University is a government-run higher education by university faculty and officials as having enrolled twice at the
institution in Marawi. There is no chapel within the campus but school, each time failing to finish his studies.[26] Both Membisa and
Catholic Sunday Masses are usually held at the school's Mimbesa were also believed to have been involved in previous
gymnasium.[3] As a state university, the military and police are not bombings in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur and were also
permitted to deploy personnel within the university campus prior to facing murder charges.[27] Two more people were tagged as persons
the incident.[4] Unlike typical universities, MSU's campus which spans of interest, while police said that there were two lookouts working for
seven barangays is unfenced.[5] the attackers.[28][29]

On December 6, Jafar Gamo Sultan, one of the suspects was

arrested in Marawi. He was allegedly the companion of the person
who placed the bomb identified by eyewitness as "Omar"[30]
Bombing[edit]
“We bridge the gap.”
gap.” 41 Rosal St., Rosary Heights 6, Cotabato City Page 1 of 3
Reactions[edit]
Domestic[edit]
Mindanao State University[edit]
Following the bombing, university president Basari Mapupuno
released a memorandum stating that classes and extracurricular
activities in the school were suspended from December 4 until
further notice;[31] as a result, students, faculty, and personnel were
repatriated to their home provinces.[32][33] Around 600 students fled.
[34]
Psychological interventions were also extended to students. The
university admitted there were security lapses in the campus but said
they were implementing measures to maintain safety.[35] Students and
alumni gathered at the Dimaporo gymnasium on December 5 to light
candles for the victims.[36] The following day, the university
announced that classes would be resumed after more police
personnel were deployed in the campus.[37]
Government[edit]
President Bongbong Marcos initially blamed foreign terrorists.
[2]
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro told a news conference there
was a strong indication of a foreign element in the bombing.[2]
The House of Representatives on December 6 adopted Resolution
1504 condemning the bombing as a terrorist attack.[38][39]
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, on the prospect of declaring a "state of
lawlessness" in Marawi, said that such declaration needs further
study.[40] House member for Lanao del Sur's 1st district, Zia Adiong
advised that declaring martial law in the city would be counter-
productive and cause "unnecessary panic".[41] He also called on the
government to reevaluate the use of funds in intelligence gathering.
[42]
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that no martial law is
needed, insisting that it is on top of the situation. [43]
The Philippine Senate held a closed-door meeting with security
officials on December 6 regarding the bombing.[44] Following the
meeting, Senate President Migz Zubiri urged local officials to look
into alleged radicalization efforts since the 2017 Marawi siege.[45]
Law enforcement[edit]
The PNP and the AFP launched a joint operation with the assistance
of other groups such as the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro
Islamic Liberation Front to capture the suspects linked to the
bombing.[9] The PNP placed Mindanao under red alert, while Metro
Manila was placed in heightened alert.[21] The Philippine Coast
Guard also imposed enhanced security and intelligence-gathering
procedures following the bombing.[46]
Both the PNP and AFP denied that there was a failure of intelligence,
stating that they had warned stakeholders in Maguindanao, Lanao
del Sur and Lanao del Norte of possible retaliatory attacks prior to
the university bombing.[4] Although on December 7, the AFP admitted
there might be a failure "in a way". It added that whether its
personnel is to be held accountable is yet to be determined.[47]
The PNP raised security nationwide for the Christmas season.
Leaves filed for after December 15 were suspended to ensure
sufficient personnel.[47][48]
Local governments[edit]
Lanao del Sur
governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. inspects the bombing site.
The Bangsamoro regional government condemned the incident's
perpetrators as "atrocious and cowardly".[49] Murad Ebrahim,
the Chief Minister of Bangsamoro, pledged to shoulder the victims'
medical treatment.[35] Lanao del Sur governor Mamintal Adiong
Jr. said his office had also shouldered financial assistance for the
injured and pledged further assistance to those killed in the attack.
[22]
Nearly a thousand students returned to their respective provinces
following the blast,[36] with various local government units arranging
bus trips for them.[50]
“We bridge the gap.”
gap.” 41 Rosal St., Rosary Heights 6, Cotabato City
Other government agencies[edit]
The Commission on Higher Education urged all higher education
institutions in the country to review their safety and security
measures.[51] The National Security Council pointed to the lack of
security within the MSU campus as a factor to the bombing, with
Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya suggesting that MSU
end its special arrangement that allows it to provide its own security
and "coordinate" closely with the police and military.[52]
Religious sector[edit]
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
condemned the bombing which it noted coincided with the first
Sunday of Advent. [53] Archbishop emeritus of
Cotabato Cardinal Orlando Quevedo called the bombing a
"massacre" and a "terrorist attack" but urged for peace.
[3]
The President of the CBCP, Pablo Virgilio David announced a day
of mourning on December 6 for the victims of the bombing.[54]
The United Imams of the Philippines said the incident was a violation
of both "human and Islamic norms".[53]
International[edit]
Representatives from Australia, Canada, the European Union,
France, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United
States condemned the bombing.[55][56][57][58] Pope Francis released a
statement praying for the victims.[59]
Disinformation and hate speech[edit]
Non-government organization Council on Climate Conflict and Action
Asia (CCCAA) expressed concern that the incident would be used to
sow divisions between Christians and Muslims. Its Early Response
Network noted an increased rate of hate speech. Among the content
which circulated was a fake quote card posted in Facebook from an
account named Fahima Salik tv attributing Bangsamoro Interior
Minister Naguib Sinarimbo as saying that the bombing happened
because there is no place for Christians in Marawi. Sinarimbo
denounced the misinformation stating that he or his ministry did not
issue such statement.[60]
Police in Davao City dismissed claims that one of the perpetrators
was allegedly spotted at the Davao City hall after the bombing as
disinformation.[61]
See also[edit]
 List of terrorist incidents in 2023
 List of terrorist incidents in the Philippines
References[edit]
1. ^ Argosino, Faith (December 4, 2023). "Police retrieve 60-mm
mortar fragments from MSU-Marawi bombing". Philippine Daily
Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
2. ^ Jump up to: Gomez, Jim (December 3, 2023). "Philippine
a b c
president blames foreign militants for a bombing that killed 4
Christian worshippers". AP News. Associated
Press. Archived from the original on December 3, 2023.
Retrieved December 3, 2023.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b c d
Cabrera, Ferdinandh; Arguillas, Carolyn
(December 3, 2023). "Cardinal Quevedo: "massacre during
Sunday mass is a crime that cries out to heaven" but urges people
to "let peace begin with our hearts"". MindaNews. Archived from
the original on December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
4. ^ Jump up to: Cabalza, Dexter (December 6, 2023). "AFP, PNP
a b
deny intel failure in Marawi bomb attack". Philippine Daily
Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 6, 2023.
Retrieved December 6, 2023.
5. ^ "BARMM police says 2 suspects in Marawi blast are MSU
'residents'". December 7, 2023. Archived from the original on
December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
6. ^ Jump up to: Recuenco, Aaron (December 4, 2023). "PNP rules
a b
out suicide bombing in Marawi City blast". Manila
Bulletin. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
7. ^ "4 dead, several hurt in bombing in Mindanao State University
gym in Marawi". GMA News. December 3, 2023. Archived from
the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
8. ^ Jump up to: Datu, Dennis (December 6, 2023). "'Bakit ginawa
a b
ito sa nagdarasal?': Anger, guilt torment Marawi bombing
survivor" ['Why did they did it to those who are only praying?':
Anger, guilt torment Marawi bombing survivor]. ABS-CBN
News (in Filipino and English). Archived from the original on
December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
Page 2 of 3
9. ^ Jump up to: Unson, John (December 5, 2023). "Local sectors
a b c
helping locate Marawi City bombers". The Philippine
Star. Archived from the original on December 6, 2023.
Retrieved December 5, 2023.
10. ^ "Fact Check: Only 4, not 11, killed in Marawi blast". MindaNews.
December 4, 2023. Archived from the original on December 4,
2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
11. ^ Diaz, Cris; Madale, Asangan (December 3, 2023). "Terror
group's 'revenge' eyed in MSU blast as death toll up". The Manila
Times. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
12. ^ "Marawi bombing injuries climb to 72 — OCD". CNN Philippines.
December 6, 2023. Archived from the original on December 7,
2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
13. ^ G, Herbie (December 6, 2023). "Eyewitness says MSU gym
bomber placed bag under plastic chair". Rappler. Archived from
the original on December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
14. ^ Jump up to: Caparas, Jeff; Datu, Dennis (December 6,
a b
2023). "PNP: Two suspects in MSU blast are members of Maute
group". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on December 6,
2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
15. ^ Caparas, Jeff (December 5, 2023). "IED used in MSU blast
concealed in a black bag: source". ABS-CBN. Archived from the
original on December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
16. ^ BARMM gov't says bomb threat messages circulated night
before Marawi blast. The World Tonight (TV broadcast) (in English
and Filipino). ANC. December 4, 2023. Archived from the original
on December 7, 2023 – via YouTube.
17. ^ Rivas, Ralf (December 3, 2023). "Security officials probing
possible links between Marawi blast, 2019 Jolo Cathedral
bombing". Rappler. Archived from the original on December 4,
2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
18. ^ Lema, Karen; Morales, Neil Jerome (December 3,
2023). "Islamic State claims responsibility for deadly Philippine
bombing". Reuters. Archived from the original on December 3,
2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
19. ^ Pareño, Roel; Punongbayan, Michael (December 5, 2023). "AFP
validating IS hand in MSU bomb attack". The Philippine
Star. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 5, 2023.
20. ^ Jump up to: Sadongdong, Martin (December 4, 2023). "AFP
a b
chief says not discounting Islamic State, Hamas link to Marawi
blast". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on December 4,
2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
21. ^ Jump up to: PNP on red alert in Mindanao, heightened alert in
a b
Metro Manila after Marawi blast. CNN Philippines (TV broadcast)
(in English and Filipino). Archived from the original on December
4, 2023 – via YouTube.
22. ^ Jump up to: Unson, John (December 4, 2023). "21 Dawlah
a b
men neutralized before Marawi City campus bombing". The
Philippine Star. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
23. ^ Argosino, Faith (December 4, 2023). "Police eye 2 'persons of
interest' in Mindanao State University bombing". Philippine Daily
Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
24. ^ Cabrera, Ferdinandh (December 4, 2023). "PNP reveals 'person
of interest' in MSU-Marawi bombing". MindaNews. Archived from
the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
25. ^ "PNP releases photos of Marawi 'bombers'". The Manila Times.
December 6, 2023. Archived from the original on December 7,
2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
26. ^ Dava, Bianca (December 7, 2023). "Marawi bombing suspect a
former MSU student: university official". ABS-CBN. Archived from
the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
27. ^ Unson, John Felix (December 7, 2023). "2 Marawi blast
suspects wanted for previous bombings — PNP". Business
World. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023.
Retrieved December 7, 2023.
28. ^ "Philippines chase four suspects in Catholic mass
bombing". Daily Express. Sabah Publishing House. Agence
France-Presse. December 5, 2023. Archived from the original on
December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
29. ^ Recuenco, Aaron (December 5, 2023). "Pursuit operations
intensified vs 2 persons of interest, 2 lookouts in Marawi
blast". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on December 5,
2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
30. ^ Mendoza, John Eric (December 8, 2023). "One of suspects in
MSU bombing arrested in Marawi City — AFP". Philippine Daily
Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023.
Retrieved December 8, 2023.
31. ^ "OFFICIAL STATEMENT: December 3 Incident". Facebook.
December 3, 2023. Archived from the original on December 4,
2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
32. ^ "Ensuring Safe Journeys: The repatriation of MSU Main
students commences following the recent bombing incident at
Dimaporo Gymnasium, MSU Marawi City". Facebook. December
3, 2023. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
33. ^ "UPDATE: Nakuha na ang ubang mga studyante sa ilang
LGU/munisipyo/probinsya". Facebook. December 3,
2023. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
34. ^ Gallardo, Froilan (December 7, 2023). "Over 600 MSU students
fled Marawi since Sunday's bomb attack". Rappler. Archived from
the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
35. ^ Jump up to: "Some students, residents still terrified after MSU
a b
blast". GMA. December 5, 2023. Archived from the original on
December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
“We bridge the gap.”
gap.” 41 Rosal St., Rosary Heights 6, Cotabato City
36. ^ Jump up to: Datu, Dennis (December 6, 2023). "MSU: We are
a b
devasted but not broken". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on
December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
37. ^ Unson, John (December 6, 2023). "More cops deployed in
Marawi City MSU campus". The Philippine Star. Archived from the
original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
38. ^ Panti, Llanesca (December 6, 2023). "House adopts resolution
condemning Marawi bombing". GMA News. Archived from the
original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
39. ^ "House condemns MSU bombing in a
resolution". Congress.gov.ph. House of Representatives. Press
and Public Affairs Bureau. Archived from the original on December
7, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
40. ^ Abarca, Charie (December 4, 2023). "Declaring state of
lawlessness in Marawi needs more study – dela Rosa". Philippine
Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
41. ^ Panti, Llanesca (December 4, 2023). "Lanao del Sur solon: No
need for martial law in Marawi". GMA News. Archived from the
original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
42. ^ "Gov't should revisit intel fund use in wake of Marawi blast, says
lawmaker". ABS-CBN News. December 5, 2023. Archived from
the original on December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
43. ^ "AFP: No need to put Marawi City under martial law". CNN
Philippines. December 5, 2023. Archived from the original on
December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
44. ^ Ager, Maila (December 6, 2023). "PH's top security execs brief
senators on Marawi bombing". Philippine Daily
Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 6, 2023.
Retrieved December 6, 2023.
45. ^ Locus, Sundy (December 6, 2023). "Zubiri: Radicalization
stepped up after Marawi Siege". GMA News. Archived from the
original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
46. ^ Gomez, Jim (December 3, 2023). "Philippine president blames
foreign militants for a bombing that killed 4 Christian
worshippers". Associated Press. Archived from the original on
December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
47. ^ Jump up to: Ramos-Araneta, Macon; Lopez, Vince; Rada,
a b
Julito (December 7, 2023). "AFP admits intel failure 'in a way' in
Marawi blast". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on
December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
48. ^ Caliwan, Christopher Lloyd (December 5, 2023). "PNP to raise
full alert for holiday season Dec. 15". Archived from the original on
December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
49. ^ "Mindanao State University gym bombing a 'cowardly act' –
BARMM". GMA News Online. December 3, 2023. Archived from
the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
50. ^ G, Herbie (December 4, 2023). "Deadly bombing at Catholic
Mass sparks exodus of MSU students from
Marawi". Rappler. Archived from the original on December 4,
2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
51. ^ Chi, Cristina (December 4, 2023). "CHED urges campuses to
tighten security after Marawi bombing". The Philippine
Star. Archived from the original on December 5, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
52. ^ "Marawi blast: NSC points to lapse of security in MSU". ABS-
CBN News. December 5, 2023. Archived from the original on
December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
53. ^ Jump up to: Chi, Cristina (December 4, 2023). "Imams,
a b
Catholic bishops condemn deadly Sunday mass bombing". The
Philippine Star. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023.
Retrieved December 4, 2023.
54. ^ "Day of Mourning on December 6 for the deceased victims of
the Philippines Bombing". Radio Veritas Asia News. December 6,
2023. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023.
Retrieved December 6, 2023.
55. ^ "Israel joins int'l community in condemning Marawi attack". GMA
News. December 4, 2023. Archived from the original on December
7, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
56. ^ Lee-Brago, Pia (December 4, 2023). "International Community
Condemns Marawi Bombing". OneNews. Archived from the
original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
57. ^ "South Korea condoles with victims of Marawi bombing". ABS-
CBN News. December 4, 2023. Archived from the original on
December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
58. ^ "Singapore condemns 'heinous attack' at Catholic mass in the
Philippines". Archived from the original on December 7, 2023.
Retrieved December 7, 2023.
59. ^ "Pope Francis prays for victims of Marawi bombing". The
Philippine Star. December 4, 2023. Archived from the original on
December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
60. ^ "Fact Check: Fake hate message vs. Christians spreads after
MSU-Marawi blast". MindaNews. December 5,
2023. Archived from the original on December 5, 2023.
Retrieved December 5, 2023.
61. ^ Francisquete, David Ezra (December 6, 2023). "City urges
public not to believe in fake news about Marawi bombing
suspect". SunStar. SunStar Publishing Inc. Archived from the
original on December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
Page 3 of 3