PB calls for integration of Mamasapano hearings

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board called on the Office of the President to integrate into one all the inquiries into the Mamasapano tragedy last January 25.

Board Member Arleigh Sitoy, who sponsored the resolution, believes that one independent investigating body and unified fact-finding investigation is enough.

“Conducting too many probes does not at all mitigate what the entire Philippines feel toward the incident and, in fact, such may only blemish the truth behind what really transpired during the clash and facts regarding who should be held accountable that may be unclear,” part of the resolution read.

The bloody encounter between members of the police Special Action Force and MILF in Mamasapano town in Ma-guindanao that resulted to the death of 44 members of the elite force is now being investigated by the Board of Inquiry of the Philippine National Police.

The MILF also formed its Special Investigative Commission to look into the incident.

On the other hand, the investigation of the Senate peace and order committee has also started.

Further, Sitoy supported the move of the Congress to create a Truth Commission to investigate the Mamasapano clash.

“It’s the president who supposed to hire somebody to lead an independent body to conduct investigation. I-consolidate na lang tanan kay daghan man kaayong investigation. Moingon ang MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), usa amo, usa ila. Way kasulbaran,” he told reporters.

Last week, lawmakers from both chambers of Congress filed a bill creating the commission mandated to investigate the encounter between the SAF members and the Moro rebels.

In a Rappler report, senators and Lower House members allied with the Aquino administration are optimistic that the proposed body’s investigation will be independent, transparent and credible amid the questions raised on the chief executive’s role in the clash.

Senator Teofisto Guingona III said that the members of the Truth Commission will be appointed by the president.  (FREEMAN)