DOJ resolution on Mamasapano out today

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to release today its resolution on the criminal charges filed against the suspects in the death of 35 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos during the clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year.

The National Bureau of Investigation earlier filed direct assault with murder complaints against 90 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups.

Acting DOJ Secretary Emmanuel Caparas said the release of the resolution had been delayed due to certain “sensitivities” that could affect the peace agreement with the MILF.

Caparas said there were “ongoing developments” as of yesterday, but gave assurance that they are aware of the cry for justice of the families of the slain SAF men.

Sources claimed the government decided against the immediate release of the resolution so as not to offend the MILF.

The DOJ finished its preliminary investigation in January.

Only four respondents submitted counter-affidavits. They are  Pendatun Utek Makakua, who said he is a farmer and not an MILF commander; Mustapha Tatak, barangay chairman of Sapakan, Mamasapano; and Lakiman Dawaling and Khalim Keda, who denied they were MILF field commanders.

Thirteen MILF and six BIFF commanders faced the DOJ probe. They were accused of conspiring to “attack, employ force, seriously intimidate or resist the 35 SAF commandos.”

Preliminary investigation showed that the death of the police commandos was “spontaneous and not an institutional act of the MILF.”

A fact-finding team released its second report involving the case of nine other SAF commandos in October.

The DOJ said no cases could be filed because there were no witnesses.