PNoy on Mamasapano: 90 to face charges but no conviction in my term

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III said Thursday that 90 people will be indicted in the killing of Special Action Force (SAF) troopers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

In a press conference in Malacañang where he presented new probe findings, Aquino said the 90 people to be charged were direct participants in the murder of of 35 commandos of the 55th Special Action Company that was part of the SAF.

Aquino answered in the affirmative when asked if these people were members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and private armed groups.

While the government is trying to hold into account the suspects, Aquino conceded that the Mamasapano case may not be resolved during his term.

Aquino cited the 2009 Maguindanao massacre case which has more than 100 suspects still undergoing trial.

"Nasa preliminary investigation pa lang tayo. Siyempre, may karapatan silang malaman 'yung akusasyon, mayroon silang mga karapatan na harapin 'yung nag-aakusa," said Aquino, referring to the 90 people to face charges.

"Mahaba-haba pa 'yung proseso, baka hindi natin magawa sa loob ng natitira naming 287 days at 'yon ang realistic doon," the president added.

The 90 individuals figured in an encounter with the SAF troopers who were conducting an operation on January 25 aimed at neutralizing Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan.

Aquino refused to provide details regarding the 90 individuals.

He only said that they are supposed to be located in territories that are the subject of the government's peace agreement with the MILF.

"There will be coordination so as to not prompt any untoward incident where we eventually, I think, will be servicing these people with warrants once it gets to the court, subpoenas first for the preliminary investigation," Aquino said.

"Eventually, they might not appear. If they don't appear, they waive their right to preliminary investigation; the court, in turn, will order us to execute warrants of arrest for these people," he added.