House suspends Mamasapano clash probe

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives temporarily suspended the inquiry on the Mamasapano clash on Monday to give way for the investigation of the Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry (BOI).

The House will wait for the BOI to finish their investigation as the results will be used as basis for discussions of lawmakers later on.

"Patatapusin muna namin yung kanila. Whatever it is, let them finish that because part of the work is in the field and so forth," House Speaker Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. said.

Belmonte noted that the police officers investigating the "misencounter" between the PNP Special Action Force, Moro Islamic Liberation Force (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters are more aware of the situation.

"I would like to leave that (immediate probe) to the professionals, to the people who are actually investigating it. They are more aware of the situation on the ground," Belmonte explained.

The House of Representatives earlier suggested that multiple murder cases be filed against members of the MILF who are responsible for the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao where 44 police commandos were slain.

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