PNP chief Director Ricardo Marquez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
The filing of charges against 90 suspects in the killing of 44 Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force commandos signifies the start of the quest for justice for the slain troopers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, according to the chief of the PNP.
PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez expressed elation over the recent development in the tragic operation that led to the death of over 60 individuals on January 25.
“This addresses the issue of the ‘Justice for the SAF 44’… Kasama ito sa hiling at sigaw ng SAF 44 families, na sana magkaroon ng hustisya. Ito na ang umpisa ng paghahanap ng hustisya para sa SAF 44 (This is among the wishes and demands of the SAF 44 families, that, hopefully, justice will be served. This is the beginning of the quest for justice for the SAF 44),” said Marquez.
“We are happy because for so many months, the reputation of SAF had been affected despite the fact that the SAF has been very, very loyal, very, very consistent and very, very focused [on] accomplishing their mission,” he added.
He said this had restored the “life and pride” of the SAF.
READ: Will raps vs MILF rebels over SAF deaths affect peace process?
On Tuesday, the National Prosecution Service-National Bureau of Investigation (NPS-NBI) team filed complaints of direct assault with murder against 90 persons.
Twenty of which are Moro Islamic Liberation Front members, 13 are battalion commanders from the 105th and 118 Base Command, 18 are commanders and members of MILF breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and the rest are members of private armed groups (PAGs).
READ: Raps OKd vs 90 MILF, BIFF, others in slay of 35 SAF in Mamasapano
They are facing charges for the death of 35 commandos from the 55th Special Action Company that served as blocking force during the raid against Malaysian terrorist Zulkilfli Bin Hir or “Marwan.”
The respondents were said to have “acted in conspiracy with one another to attack, employ force, seriously intimidate or resist the 35 SAF (Special Action Force) commandos, who were uniformed police officers and, thus persons in authority.” Julliane Love de Jesus, INQUIRER.net/CDG
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