The peace process will not stop the Department of Justice (DOJ) from pursuing criminal case against members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) involved in the killing of 35 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) 55th company during the encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last Jan. 25.
“Many people died and therefore sakop talaga ito ng (covered by the) criminal justice system,” De Lima said.
“What is clear is that even in the course of the peace process, peace negotiations, under a peace regime, the power of the State to go after violations of criminal laws is not suspended,” she added.
The DOJ-NBI special panel of investigators has recommended the filing of criminal charges against 90 members of the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and some private armed groups. AU