MANILA, Philippines — Detained Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada on Tuesday filed a resolution, seeking an investigation into the deadly encounter between members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other elements in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
In Senate Resolution 1134, Estrada specifically urged the committees on public order and dangerous drugs, peace, unification and reconciliation, and Local Government, to look into the matter in aid of legislation.
“There is a need to review the conduct of this particular police operation and to revisit protocols that have to be followed to prevent failure and misfortune in the future,” he said in the resolution.
Estrada said he also wanted to know if there is a need to re-assess the capability and strength of the PNP-SAF, citing reports that 392 members were involved in the said operation and yet a significant number of their colleagues were killed.
The resolution further aims to find out whether the function of serving warrants of arrest specially to an international terrorist, who is a member of Jemaah Islamiyah, should be solely handled by the PNP.
Estrada said the “unfortunate incident” should lead to “intensive assessment and effective reforms in law enforcement so that the death of these policemen will not be in vain.”
Senator Grace Poe, head of the committee on public order, said Monday she would also file a resolution to look into the incident.
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