MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday assured that the cases against the suspects in the killing of 44 Special Action Force commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao have been submitted for resolution but asked for more time in delivering justice to parties concerned.
"Nasa amin na talaga ang bola. Wala namang ibang circumstances iyan kundi kami na lang. Please give us just a little more time so that the resolution can progress," DOJ acting Secretary Emmanuel Caparas said in an interview with radio dzMM.
Caparas added that the DOJ will continue to prioritize the case.
"Whether or not today is the anniversary, DOJ is still focused on delivering justice to all parties concerned," Caparas said.
The DOJ official has spoken to Prosecutor Claro Arellano to follow up the charges against 90 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and private armed groups who are blamed for the deaths of the police commandos exactly a year ago.
READ: Murder raps filed vs 90 suspects in Mamasapano clash
Caparas, however, refused to comment on how the alleged additional evidence will affect the case as the Senate reopens its investigation on the Mamasapano incident.
"Let us wait. I don't know what additional evidence that is," Caparas said in an ambush interview.
Meanwhile, some senators have expressed their concern over an audio recording containing alleged conversation between a ranking government official and a lawmaker regarding the incident.
The audio recording may be played during the Senate hearing on Wednesday unless any of the concerned parties in the recorded conversations invoke privacy. - Patricia Lourdes Viray
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