20 commandos survive Maguindanao carnage; bodies of 14 cops retrieved

MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao, Philippines – The bodies of at least 14 policemen killed in a “mis-encounter” with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Sunday were brought to the municipal hall here Monday morning.

The bodies were taken out of the site where fighting erupted between elite police forces and the MILF members on Sunday morning. Reports said over 40 policemen were killed in the fighting.

Capt. Joanne Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said reports from military troops that provided support for the SAF confirmed that at least 20 commandos were able to survive the carnage.

“As per report, at least 20 SAF members are alive but are still inside the area,” Petinglay said.

The SAF was not able to coordinate with the MILF, as required by the ceasefire agreement with the Philippine government, when they set out to arrest suspected terrorists Basit Usman and Zulkigli Bin Hir.