MANILA—Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct its own investigation into the massacre of politicians’ relatives and journalists in Maguindanao.

Devanadera also formed a group of prosecutors to handle “with dispatch” cases arising from the investigation of what could easily be the worst election-related violence and cases of media killings in years.

“In the interest of service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, the following prosecutors… are constituted as a team to handle any and all cases arising out of the Maguindanao massacre,” Devanadera said.

Senior State Prosecutor Philip I. Kimpo chairs the panel composed of state prosecutors Bernardo L. Parico, Rassendell Rene F. Gingoyon, Bunrofil M. Altares, Aldrin Evangelista and Lamberto C. Fabros.

Prosecutors Rami Giuling and Akilala Balt, both of Maguidnanao, also form part of the team.

Devanadera, the concurrent solicitor-general, also ordered prosecutors in the area to coordinate with the families of victims for claims under the compensation law and with law enforcement agencies for the prosecution of those involved.

“I have likewise ordered the prosecutors of North Cotabato to coordinate with the victims’ family for them to avail of the benefits under the Victims’ Compensation Law,” Devanadera said in a statement.

Republic Act No. 7309 created the Board of Claims and provides for the compensation of victims of unjust imprisonment and those of violent crimes.

“[The prosecutors are also] to coordinate closely with our law enforcement agencies for the case buildup to ensure the expeditious prosecution of all those who are responsible for this atrocity,” Devanadera said.

“The Department of Justice shall work on these cases until we have prosecuted the perpetrators to its successful conclusion,” she added.

Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor, chair of the inter-agency Task Force 211 that looks into the media killings, is already in Maguindanao.

“We are closely coordinating with the local authorities here in Mindanao and currently pursuing all leads for the apprehension of the suspects,” Blancaflor said in a statement sent to the DOJ central office in Manila.

“We are calling on anyone who may have knowledge of this incident to help us identify the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Do not be afraid in giving us any information, you will be assured of absolute confidentiality and protection,” he added.