Lawmaker warns of another Mamasapano, if..

MANILA, Philippines - A retired Special Action Force commando warned yesterday that bloody clashes like the one in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25 last year could happen again if the Bangsamoro Bill is passed with some questionable security provisions.

ACT-CIS Rep. Samuel Pagdilao  said the Bangsamoro Bill, officially known as the Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, contains provisions that would tend to break the chain of command and could send policemen to the slaughter.

“It is not ideal to break the chain of command for key operations, especially by taking orders from a suspended leader,” he said.

“Similarly, the National Police Commission should be the only administering entity of all PNP (Philippine National Police) units nationwide, and the chief of the PNP shall exercise operational control and supervision.” 

Pagdilao said Article X of the BLBAR provides for the creation of the Bangsamoro police to be administered by the Bangsamoro Police Board  and under the operational control and supervision of the envisioned Bangsamoro region’s chief minister.

It contradicts the Constitution  which provides for one national police force, he added.

He said he strongly doubts the BLBAR proponents’ assurance that the proposed Bangsamoro police will   remain part of the PNP.

“If the Bangsamoro police is really an integral part of the PNP, why do they need to have their own Bangsamoro Police Board, and why does it have to be under the control of the chief minister?” he asked.

“This setup will just confound the whole PNP and the public, and will result in an overlapping of authority.” 

Gov’t, MILF to pursue peace

Despite the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Bill, the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front remain resolute in pursuing the peace process.

None of them is giving up,  government peace panel legal team member Al Julkipli   said on Thursday.

“Even if we experience difficult challenges in pursuing the passage of the BBL, both parties… (will pursue) this peace process,” he said.

“Both parties are still working towards achieving the objectives of the peace process, which is to pass a meaningful BBL that (will) address the two main problems (security and improving governance) in Mindanao.

“If these two problems would be significantly addressed, the entire Philippines would ultimately benefit.”

Julkipli said the government is continuously coordinating and lobbying with the lawmakers. – With Jose Rodel Clapano