FILE PHOTO: DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima (UNTV News)
MANILA, Philippines — The DOJ-NBI joint special investigation team has recommended the prosecution of 90 suspects for the killing of 35 PNP-SAF troopers from the 55th Special Action Company.
The DOJ-NBI Special Investigation Team submitted today to Sec. Leila de Lima their 224-page report on their investigation of the Mamasapano incident.
90 members of MILF, BIFF and private armed groups were recommended for prosecution for the killing of 35 PNP SAF troopers at the cornfield in Brgy. Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25.
But De Lima declined to specify what criminal cases will be filed against the suspects.
She said, the DOJ have several witnesses to support the charges including their major eyewitness code named “marathon” who is now under the custody of the witness protection program.
“Marathon” witnessed the incident and has identified the persons who figured in a clash with PNP-SAF in the cornfields of Brgy. Tukanalipao.
Sec. De Lima said, “Based on the findings and the positive identification of witnesses especially ‘marathon’, we will be able to file charges against 90 suspects. It’s a combination of MILF, BIFF and PAGS (private armed groups).”
But the investigation of DOJ and NBI on the Mamasapano incident is not yet over.
They were given another two months to pursue further investigation.
Sec. De lima said they needed additional witnesses to recommend charges against those who killed 9 PNP-SAF troopers near the hut of Marwan.
“Hindi pa kasama dito sa report na ito yung the ones responsible for the killing of the 9 members of the 84 SAF doon sa Brgy. Pigsandawan. Bakit di pa kasama dito? Kasi wala pa kami nakikita third party eyewitnesses (Not yet included in the report are the ones responsible for the killing of the 9 members of the 84 SAF at Brgy. Pigsandawan. Why is it not included? Because we haven’t found third party eyewitnesses yet). ”
Investigation on the death of civilians and MILF fighters will also be pursued.
But de Lima said, the MILF has no response yet on their request to access their witnesses and the relative of the slain rebels.
“We certainly hope na with this report, they would now give access to the witnesses and families nung mga victims nila para ma-file-an din ng kaso yung mga responsible kung may basehan. (We certainly hope that with this report, they would now give access to the witnesses and families of the victims so that a case can be filed against responsible parties if their is basis).”
Aside from the affidavits of witnesses, the DOJ also used the viral video of the shooting of a SAF commando in their investigation.
The panel also made use of the reports of other investigating agencies, especially the affidavits gathered by PNP Board of Inquiry.
De Lima will review the report over the weekend.
She will also furnish the Office of the President with a copy of the report.
Malacanang said, DOJ is free to file charges against those responsible for the incident.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ‘Sonny’ Coloma Jr said, “Part of their inherent functions is the investigative aspect. And when a case build up is formed, the next step is the prosecution aspect. They are freely exercising all those duties. If they do report to the president it is on the nature of progress update on their work because they do directly refer to the case build up of pin-pointing the criminal liabilities of concerned parties.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police expressed its support to the charges against the suspects in the killing of SAF44.
PNP Spokesperson stated P/CSupt. Generoso Cerbo, “Relative to the filing of charges, DOJ is in the best position to do that. To note, their investigation is focused on finding out the criminal liability of those involved in the killing of the SAF44 among others. The PNP will be supportive of such move from DOJ as we seek justice for our gallant heroes.”
On Monday, April 20, Secretary De Lima is set to announce whether or not the full report of the DOJ special panel is ready for release to the public. (DARLENE BASINGAN / UNTV News)