The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formed a special investigation task group (SITG) to delve into the tragic explosion at Mindanao State University (MSU) on December 3, which claimed four lives and wounded 45 others.
PNP chief Brig. Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. appointed Col. Robert Daculan, director of Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), to head the SITG.
The team will work tirelessly to unravel the perpetrators and the motives behind the attack.
Police reports showed three female church service attendees died on the spot, while a man was declared dead upon arrival at Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC).
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Acorda said that the loss of four lives and the suffering of 45 injured individuals epitomize a brutal act.
The PNP, he said, would deploy extra company alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to boost the state university students' security and safety.
"We want to restore normalcy as soon as possible and assure the residents, students, and school officials that the PNP and AFP, as the security forces, are here. We are ready. We will do our best,” he declared.
Likewise, Police Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), commits to investigate, apprehend, and bring perpetrators to justice.
He said they are exploring all possible aspects, including the recent focused military operation in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town, Maguindanao del Sur province, which wiped out eleven members of a Dawlah Islamiya-inspired group, and neutralization of an Abu Sayyaf group bomber in Basilan province.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, disclosed that the investigation also considers the potential retaliation by the Dawlah Islamiya Maute Group (DI-MG) following the elimination of one of its sub-leaders in a military encounter at Piagapo town in Lanao del Sur.
Viray urged the community to work together, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
"Please report any unusual incidents or suspicious individuals roaming in the city. The AFP and PNP vowed to ensure the safety of Lanao del Sur and its citizens," he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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