Rep. Garcia seeks probe into Maguindanao clash

CEBU, Philippines - A Cebuano lawmaker has requested the House committee on public safety and order to investigate, in aid of legislation, the encounter between the members of the police elite force and the Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Third district Representative Gwendolyn Garcia, in a resolution, said there is a need to look into the incident to enlighten the millions of 'demoralized' Filipinos who are in quandary whether the incident was truly a "misencounter" or "a deliberate act of aggression by our peace-partners, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front."

A fierce gun battle between the Special Action Force commandos and members of the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters happened on January 25 resulting in the death of 44 SAF troopers.

The SAF members were on a mission to serve the arrest warrant against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and local terrorist Basit Usman.

"The policemen are the national upholders of the laws created by this chamber, and with this operation that led to their slaughter, the members of this chamber must now ensure that justice be given to them and to their grieving family members," part of the resolution read.

Garcia noted in her resolution that the 'clear failure' and 'disastrous result' of the government's operation, and the news articles reporting participation of non-line government officials and unawareness of line government officials on the tragic operation prompted the people, through their representatives, to call for an 'objective investigation.'

The Maguindanao clash is also being investigated by a board of inquiry of the Philippine National Police.

"The sincerest condolences and sympathies of the House of Representatives will be felt by the grieving families of our slain brave policemen if the House of Representative Committee on Public Order and Safety will investigate on who are the government officials, civilian or uniformed, who ordered their family members to participate in this suicidal mission," the resolution added.

Two of the 44 slain SAF troopers were Cebuanos: PO1 Windel Candano of Lawaan, Dumanjug, and PO1 Romeo Cempron of Tayud, Consolacion.

The bodies of Cempron and Candano will be laid to rest this Sunday afternoon in a cemetery in Tayud, Consolacion and Cebu South Memorial Gardens in Talisay City, respectively.

Candano's body will be brought on Friday to his wife's residence in Mambaling, Cebu City until Sunday.—  (FREEMAN)