Police eyeing Cebuano as SAF video uploader

CEBU, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 is investigating someone in Cebu as the person allegedly responsible for uploading the video clip showing a wounded Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) member who was finished off while lying helpless on the ground in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

The video, which has since gone viral, showed how an armed man believed to be a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fired two shots and killed the wounded PNP-SAF commando.

The video was believed to have been taken using a cellphone in the aftermath of the encounter between the PNP-SAF members and MILF and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters forces in Mamasapano last January 25.

Superintendent Fermin Armendarez III, CIDG-7 deputy chief, said they received reports about someone, who is allegedly connected with the media industry, as the one who uploaded the said video in his social networking account.

He said they are already also gathering background information about the person from those in the media industry.

He, however, said that they cannot confirm yet if the reports were true since they are still doing validation and verification.

“Kana atong tukion kay lisod kaayo mosulti ta unya wala pa ta’y enough information,” he said.

Armendarez said they were directed by the PNP national headquarters to confiscate DVDs of the video.

 The Anti-Cybercrime Group-7, which has initiated its own investigation into the uploading of the said video, has tapped CIDG-7 to help it in authenticating the viral video clip and in tracking down those who are responsible of uploading the video.

Armendarez said they have communicated with their field agents and have identified possible targets.

He said the DVDs were not displayed in the open and that the vendors may not be aware that they have already violated the rules by selling copies of the video.

Superintendent Ritchie Posadas, CIDG-7 chief, earlier said they heard reports that there are vendors in Colon Street selling DVD copies of the brutal killing of the PNP-SAF commando.

Posadas urged the public to be sensitive to the feelings of the grieving families and encouraged the people to refrain from either buying the DVD or sharing the video online.   Armendarez said whoever is caught selling the DVDs will be charged for violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code on immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows.

Violation of the said law carries the penalty of a prison term of not less than six years and a fine ranging from P6,000 to P12, 000 or both.

Armendarez  advised those who have already bought a copy the video to turn it over to the appropriate agency, as CIDG-7 looks into the liability of those who watch the video. — /RHM (FREEMAN)