CHR starts own probe on Mamasapano clash

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) yesterday announced the conduct of a fact-finding inquiry into the Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash that claimed the lives of at least 67 people.

CHR Chairman Loreta Ann Rosales said they decided to launch an independent investigation following a scoping mission at the clash site last week, which “established facts that engender a prima facie belief that human rights and international humanitarian law have been violated during the incident.”

She said the probe would be completed in three months. The CHR will forward the results to appropriate authorities for action.

The investigation will be conducted in partnership with the regional human rights commission (RHRC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The CHR and RHRC, headed by Algamar Latiph, released a joint statement expressing “grave concern” over the loss of lives and internal displacement.

Data gathered by the CHR showed at least five civilians and 18 rebels died in the bloodbath, in addition to the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members.

At least 1,500 families have been displaced as a result of the operation, the agency said.

“Were the deaths morally justified or acceptable under universally agreed standards? If not, who should be held accountable, and what policies and parameters should change to prevent this from happening again?” Rosales said.

Financial aid, scholarships

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is working to ensure the scholarship for the children of the 44 SAF commandos killed in Mamasapano.

PNP officer-in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina is personally leading efforts to ensure enough funds for the education of the children of the slain policemen.

He instructed Director Rolando Purruganan, head of the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership, to check the benefits for the families of the SAF members.

The PNP opened an account with the Land Bank of the Philippines for cash donations intended for the SAF members. Donations may be deposited to the PNP Special Assistance Fund Account 1862-1027-77.

Donors may contact Chief Inspector Renante Pinuela at 0917-2705533 or 0917-8576026 for details.

The Makati City government has provided cash assistance and scholarships to the families of the SAF commandos who were injured in clashes with Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

Mayor Junjun  Binay said the 15 wounded SAF officers, who are confined at the PNP General Hospital at Camp Crame in Quezon City, received P100,000 each.

The local government of Makati earlier gave P100,000 each to the families of the 44 slain SAF members.

The mayor, along with his father Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sen. Nancy Binay, visited the wounded SAF commandos at Camp Crame Sunday.

He said the Makati City government increased the financial assistance for the SAF members from P50,000 to P100,000 each after learning that those who survived may no longer be able to return to duty because of their injuries.

The city government will also provide scholarships at the University of Makati for the siblings of slain SAF commandos who were single or had no children. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Helen Flores, Ramil Bajo