MANILA, Philippines: The alleged mastermind in last year's bombing of Mindanao State University (MSU) was identified as one of the nine terrorists killed in a recent military operation in Lanao del Sur, a spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Khadafi Mimbesa, also known as "Engineer," was identified by alias Khatab, a high-value terrorist of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group who surrendered to the 2nd Mechanized Brigade on February 11, as the brains behind the MSU blast.

Military authorities said Mimbesa is the Amir or the leader of the Dawlah Islamiya in Mindanao.

Last January 2024, the troops of the 103rd Brigade, commanded by BGen Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr, launched a wide-scale pursuit on the group of Mimbesa, causing the death of nine terrorists, some of whom were involved in the MSU bombing.

Among the fatalities were Saucy Saiden (also known as Ustadz Omar, Abu Omar, Saumay, one of four primary suspects in the MSU blast; Abdul Wadi, alias Hodi Imam, Abday'N, who reportedly assembled the improvised explosive device.

Nine high-powered firearms, one bandolier, four Baofeng radios, and one smartphone were also recovered in the operations.

AFP Chief Romeo Brawner Jr., lauded the troops and called on remnants to surrender.

"Our troops will be relentless in the pursuit of those who will seek to disturb the peace. Take this as an invitation and a call to surrender now and avoid the same fate as your dead comrades," Brawner said.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines will always be a catalyst for peace and assure the public of the military's unwavering commitment to safeguarding peace and security in Mindanao and across the country," Brawner said.