Probe into SAF's defective firearms sought

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker has called on his colleagues in the House of Representatives for a probe into the reported issuance of defective ammunition and armaments by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to its operating elements like the Special Action Force (SAF).

 

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III filed House Resolution 1909, seeking a congressional inquiry into reports that the firearms , particularly the M203 grenade launcher, malfunctioned during the Mamasapano operations which cost the lives of 44 SAF troopers. 

 

"The officers and members of the PNP perform continuing vital strategic functions in the preservation of peace and order and the fight against terrorism, criminality and all forms of lawlessness in the country," Albano III said. 

 

HR 1909 seeks to direct the committee on Public Order and Safety and the committee on Good Government and Accountability to probe on the reported acquisition by the PNP.

 

He  noted credible reports and testimonies of surviving members of the PNP SAF in the Mamasapano operations that the various defective ammunitions and armaments deprived PNP operating forces of the needed capability to fight back lawless elements and minimize the loss of lives.

 

“We can never relegate the deaths that resulted from the tragic Mamasapano operation to the dustbin of history. We have to correct our mistakes and learn from that tragedy. Accountability is important,” Albano said.

 

Albano also suggested that all those concerned in the acquisition of the armaments should be present during the probe.  

 

Earlier, one of the SAF officers testified before Congress that several of the munition of the grenade launchers during the encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters failed to explode.