MANILA, Philippines - Some of the fallen Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) commandos were still alive after the armed encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.
During the House of Representatives inquiry on the Mamasapano operation on Wednesday, PNP officer-in-charge Leonardo Espina revealed that some of the commandos did not suffer lethal shots during the actual encounter.
"Hindi ho ako nakatulog kagabi nung malaman ko yung medico-legal report," an emotional Espina told the House panel.
According to Espina, the autopsy reports showed that two commandos were only shot on the feet during the encounter, which would not have been enough to be the cause of their death.
One commando was shot on the head while the other one was stripped of his bulletproof vest and was then shot on the body.
"Buhay na buhay 'yan hindi n'yo man lang pinauwi kasama ng kanyang mga anak," Espina said.
Espina stressed that the MILF was just blaming the lack of coordination to justify the death of 44 SAF commandos.
"Itong mga ito, pwede pang umuwi. Such a waste of life," Espina added.
The acting PNP chief demanded that the MILF explain why they killed the SAF officers even though they were aware that the commandos were from the government and that there was an ongoing peace process.
"Walang pong ibang inaasahan itong namatay na 44 kundi po tayong lahat. Bigyan naman natin ng hustisya at magpakatotoo sana tayo dito... I seek answers for my people," Espina demanded.
The House of Representatives started its own inquiry on the Mamasapano operation which led to the death of 44 SAF commandos.
Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon earlier filed a resolution to conduct a joint investigation with the Senate.
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