Members of a religious group rally outside the Senate while the inquiry on the Mamasapano clash is ongoing on Monday. The group called for the scrapping of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in light of the clash that claimed the lives of 44 SAF policemen in the hands of Muslim rebels. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Wednesday said that the DOJ is pursuing a fair and comprehensive investigation into the encounter that happened in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.
According to De Lima, aside from seeking for justice for all the slain members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), they were also taking into consideration the slain members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as well as the civilians.
De Lima said that the investigation is not only centered on the “SAF 44” because the DOJ Chief believed that all the victims in the incident should be given justice.
Likewise, De Lima also said that the DOJ would again send a letter to the leadership of the MILF to ask for their cooperation in the investigation.
When asked whether the DOJ is ready to cooperate with the fact-finding mission being pursued by non-government organizations (NGOs) as they have in their possession a report about the testimonies of the MILF members and civilians, De Lima said, they prefer to directly coordinate with the MILF. (MNS)