Head shots
Based on the latest medico-legal report done on the Fallen 44 SAF commandos killed in Mamasapano, twenty-seven had gunshot wounds in their heads. Nine had gunshot wounds only in their heads, while eighteen bore wounds on their bodies and extremities as well. Three did not have their bullet-proof vests on with gunshots to their bodies indicating their vests were removed before they were shot. It also indicates that the police were no longer able to fight in any form or manner when the "coups de grace" were done. Such are the atrocities suffered by the SAF commandos at the hands of the MILF and BIFF. It also strengthens the authenticity of the video of a fallen SAF commando being shot twice in the head.
This is the crux of PNP OIC General Leonardo Espina's passionate speech at the House of Representatives. Why were his men treated that way? Why were young police officers, who could no longer fight nor defend themselves, unmercifully executed? Why weren't they attended to nor given medical assistance? Even MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal could not provide an acceptable answer. In fact, his answer was in no way relevant to the question. He said that both sides had powerful weapons and were in close proximity to each other. But that would explain the severity of the wounds, and not the location. The report further states that 9mm bullets were recovered from their craniums, indicating a handgun was used, which could only mean the fighting was essentially over. All these are obvious violations to the Geneva Convention.
The Geneva Convention lays down the guidelines with regards to the treatment of prisoners of war, or those who could no longer fight, whether wounded or out of ammunition. In other words, executions are forbidden. But really, what do these rebels care about the Geneva Convention? They have shown this kind of behavior several times by beheading fallen soldiers on the field of battle.
Here lies the problem. Would the MILF turn over those fighters who mercilessly shot the SAF commandos? Iqbal himself has said that we should wait for the results of their investigation into the incident. That's like saying they will eventually blame the BIFF, who at present are considered enemies of the Republic. The BIFF have already said they would not return the weapons they took from the dead SAF commandos, so they definitely would not turn in any of their own, no matter what atrocities they committed. I really doubt that on this aspect, the Fallen 44 will not be given justice.
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