DOJ starts preliminary probe into Mamasapano slay

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice on Friday started its preliminary investigation into 90 individuals tagged in the killing of 35 members of the police Special Action Force (SAF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January.

The suspects charged with charges of direct assault with murder and theft are members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other armed groups.

During the preliminary probe conducted by the DOJ special panel, a suspect denied he was a member of the MILF.

This was contained in the sworn affidavit of Pendatun Utek Makakua, a field commander of the MILF 188th Base Command, presented by his lawyer Carlos Valdez Jr.

Valdez said Makakua is a farmer and not a member of the MILF.

The DOJ panel gave the camp of Makakua the period of until Dec. 17, 2015 within which to submit their sworn counter-affidavit.