Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 4) — Authorities in Lanao del Sur said they are working to restore a sense of normalcy in the province to encourage students of the Mindanao State University to return to campus following an explosion that killed four people on Sunday.
Governor Bombit Adiong told CNN Philippines on Monday that several students left for their homes after the incident because of fear, but the local government is now working to encourage them to come back.
The university also suspended classes for a week, he said.
“Kinukumbinse natin ngayon yung mga parents ng mga estudyante na bumalik na sa Mindanao State University dahil stable na tayo dito sa Marawi and Mindanao State University,” he said
[Translation: We are trying to convince parents of the students to make them return to Mindanao State University because it is now stable here in Marawi and the university.]The Philippine National Police and the military will provide added security to students and residents, said Adiong.
“Pati po ang province, gusto naming tumulong. Yung mga estudyanteng nakauwi, mag-eextend kami ng assistance para mabigyan sila ng sasakyan pabalik dito sa MSU,” he added.
[Translation: Even the province wants to help. We will extend assistance to students who went back to their homes, so they will have vehicles to use when they return to MSU.]
Following the incident, the PNP said alerts were raised in Mindanao as well as Metro Manila, which would mean increased police patrols and intelligence gathering.
Police said they have at least two persons of interest and have formed a special task group to investigate the deadly explosion.
Adiong said he has seen CCTV footage of the two individuals who left a black bag inside the gym, but added they are still waiting for investigators to find out their identities.
