DOJ forms panel to probe SAF killings

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice on Tuesday has created a panel for the preliminary investigation on the charges against the suspects allegedly responsible for the death of 35 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos in the Mamasapano clash last January.

The five-member panel would look into the murder and direct assault charges against members of the Moro International Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), private armed groups and unaffiliated individuals.

On September 22, the National Bureau of Investigation and the National Prosecution Service filed the said charges against 90 individuals involved in the Mamasapano incident.

The suspects were also recommended to be prosecuted for theft of government property for their unlawful taking of government-issued firearms, ammunition, communications and navigational equipment, personal protective gear, uniforms, combat boots and personal belongings of the police commandos.

According to the DOJ, some of the SAF commandos were killed by means of close range pistol shots to the head and body.

Among the 90 identified respondents, 26 are members of the MILF, 12 are BIFF and 52 are from private armed groups.

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