Lawmakers seek resumption of probe on Mamasapano fiasco

MANILA, Philippines - Some 33 lawmakers yesterday asked Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to resume the inquiry into the Mamasapano incident, saying their constituents are clamoring for truth and accountability.

In a letter to Belmonte, the lawmakers said, “It is our function as their representatives to press for their demand – the truth.” Among them was Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Isagani Zarate, who wants President Aquino to appear at the congressional inquiry.

While there were criticisms on the handling of the House hearings, we believe that the first hearing was successful in ferreting out very important leads with substantial impact on the search for truth,” the letter stated.

The joint inquiry of the committees on public order and safety, and peace, unity and reconciliation into the Mamasapano incident was suspended after its first hearing last Feb. 11. The House leadership said it would be more prudent if they would wait for the results of the investigation of the Philippine National Police’s Board of Inquiry (PNP BOI) before resuming the probe.

The lawmakers said the House inquiry can still be conducted even as the BOI has yet to finish its probe.

“At best, the House hearings and the BOI investigation could complement each other,” they said.

Belmonte said the resumption of the House inquiry was “contingent on whether it is still needed after we see the BOI report.”

Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, chairman of the peace and order committee, said the suspension of the hearings was necessary “to make a more informed decision and avoid coming out with premature conclusions.”

Meanwhile, an investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) would not only establish the criminal liabilities of those involved in the killing of 44 police commandos but also how some Moro rebels died and how civilians got killed during the crossfire in the Mamasapano operation last Jan. 25.

The team formed to probe the Mamasapano incident, composed of four prosecutors from the National Prosecution Service (NPS) and agents from the NBI, flew to Maguindanao yesterday to start the probe. They would be joining Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for an inspection in Mamasapano today.

“We’re just starting. Among the things we’re establishing is our procedure protocol with the (ceasefire committee),” said assistant senior state prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera, who leads the team. – With Jess Diaz, Aie Balagtas See