DOJ picks 5 lawyers to build case on Mamasapano bloodshed

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Justice recently selected five state prosecutors to investigate and build up the case on the tragic January 25 encounter in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.

In a department order made public Friday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said a joint National Bureau of Investigation-National Prosecution Service (NPS) Special Investigation Team will look into the incident that cost the lives of 44 elite Special Action Force policemen in the hunt for international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan.

"Findings of the investigation shall be the basis for the filing of criminal or administrative charges against those who are found responsible," the DOJ order states.

The chosen members of the NPS are:

• Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera
• Assistant State Prosecutor Irwin Maraya
• Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Paolo Santiago
• Assistant State Prosecutor Jocelyn Dugay
• Assistant Prosecution Attorney Ethel Rea Suril

The team shall directly report to the Secretary and submit a final report of findings not later than 60 days from the date of this issuance.

— DOJ (@DOJPH) February 6, 2015

The team will gather evidence and seek assistance from the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, among other government agencies.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao will also be tapped to coordinate with the investigating body.

ON PIL STAR NGAYON: DOJ wala pang hawak na pangalan ng mga kakasuhan sa Mamasapano clash