Some SAF commandos’ ‘free’ meals probed

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine National Police is checking reports some Special Action Force (SAF) members who took part in the Jan. 25 mission in Maguindanao did not pay for their meals during the operation.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. said they were validating reports SAF commandos positioned by the highway in Mamasapano did not pay their bill at roadside eateries.

“That may be included in the investigation by the Board of Inquiry; the BOI may have its recommendation on how to settle that issue,” said Cerbo in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

Cerbo issued the statement in reaction to reports some SAF commandos positioned by the highway in Mamasapano, site of the massacre of 44 of their colleagues, ate at roadside eateries and then avoided paying the bill.

The more than 300 police troopers survived as they were not involved in the clash.–Julie M. Aurelio