Multiple murder, other charges eyed vs MILF

MANILA, Philippines - The government is looking at criminal liabilities of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels behind the killing of at least 44 operatives of the elite Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in Maguindanao last Sunday.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima confirmed to The STAR on Thursday that possible charges of multiple murder, homicide and other offenses could be filed against MILF members who figured in the clash with the SAF operatives tapped to arrest international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan in Mamasapano town.

“We are looking at criminal liabilities for various offenses, such as multiple murder, homicide, serious physical injuries, direct assaults, illegal possession of firearms, violation of (Republic Act) 9851 or crimes under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), obstruction of justice and others,” she revealed.

However, the Justice secretary stressed that the possible filing of charges could not be immediately done pending investigation of the board of inquiry created by the PNP to probe the incident.

“We need first to ascertain the full facts surrounding the whole incident, including the identification of perpetrators,” she explained.

“The filing of charges would depend on results of the inquiries and investigations,” the official added.

Still, Sec. de Lima said the government is aware of the cry for justice of the families of the fallen policemen.

“We are committed to ensure that justice is served for the fallen SAF men and their families,” she assured.

President Aquino was widely criticized for not tackling the issue of justice for the slain SAF men in his televised speech the other night.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines law professor Harry Roque Jr., an international law expert, suggested that the MILF could also be liable for war crime – specifically perfidy or treachery under the IHL.

“The MILF invited confidence of the government that the troops have protected status. But they attacked the police forces, which constitutes perfidy,” he explained to The STAR.

Roque said such crime could also be prosecuted as a domestic crime, but expressed reservations if the government would pursue prosecution of the MILF rebels.

He said he expects government panel chair, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer? and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles to object to possible prosecution of MILF leaders.

“It’s time to refer the case to the ICC (International Criminal Court),” he suggested.