Lawmaker fears whitewash in Mamasapano clash probe
MANILA, Philippines—A militant solon has expressed doubts about the government-led investigation into the bloody clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, that resulted in the death of 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF).
Members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force mourn the police commandos who were killed in what authorities said was an accidental clash with a Muslim rebel group, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 at Villamor Air Base in Pasay, Philippines. AP
In a statement, Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares said the probe by a PNP board of inquiry would not be objective.
“The PNP Board of Inquiry, composed of PNP Generals, is not expected to objectively investigate the killing of the 44 SAF personnel considering that they will investigate not just the involvement of US forces but also Pres. Benigno Aquino III and PNP Chief Alan Purisima who are their superiors,” Colmeranes said.
He added, “President Aquino has practically pre-empted the Board of Inquiry during his televised speech by washing his hands of any responsibility and blaming the SAF forces for failing to coordinate with other units until it was too late. There is no way that the Board will find President Aquino accountable for the botched operation after that speech.”
The lawmaker added that he favored the formation of an independent commission composed of “credible” persons such as former Chief Justice Renato Puno to lead the probe.
An independent probe, the lawmaker said, could “assuage fears that the investigation will be whitewashed to favor President Aquino and General Purisima, while putting the blame on the SAF forces themselves.”
Also, “the Commission must have the independence and the courage to summon members of the US forces in the Philippines and investigate their involvement,” the House Deputy Minority Leader added.
He urged other PNP officials to come out and reveal what they know about the operation dubbed as “Operation Wolverine.”
“Members of the PNP and other security forces who know what really happened in Mamasapano and in the preparations leading to the operation should come forward and tell the truth about those accountable for the botched operations. Otherwise, the case could be whitewashed with the blame mainly pinned on the hapless SAF,” Colmenares added.
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