MANILA, Philippines - On the first anniversary of the Mamasapano incident, President Benigno Aquino III admitted that he is not satisfied with the slow progress of the justice system in the country.
"Gaya ninyo, ako man po ay naiinip sa bagal ng pag-usad ng sistemang pangkatarungan sa ating bansa. Ika nga: Justice delayed is justice denied," Aquino said in his speech during the commemoration of the heroism of the 44 Special Action Force commandos who were killed exactly a year ago.
The president, however, vowed justice for the police commandos who were killed during an encounter against Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Aquino called on the Congress to look into the Philippine National Police (PNP) Law and determine the provisions preventing the immediate imposition of sanctions for leaders who fail in their duties.
"Ayaw po nating maulit ang mga trahedyang dulot lamang ng pagsuway sa mga patakaran. Hindi makatwirang magpatuloy ang sistema kung saan may karaniwang indibidwal na pumapasan ng mas mabibigat na obligasyon dahil sa kapabayaan ng iilan," Aquino said.
The president assured that the government will support the PNP in enhancing their abilities and performing their duties.
"Pinapalakas natin ang liderato ng ating pambansang pulisya hindi lamang para masugpo ang kriminalidad, kundi upang gabayan din ang bawat kasapi ng PNP na maitaguyod ang mas magandang kinabukasan para sa kanilang mga pamilya," the president said.
The Medal of Valor was awarded to the families of Senior Inspector Gednat Tabdi and Police Officer 2 Romeo Cempron, who were among the 44 SAF commandos killed in the Mamasapano clash. It is the distinction given to uniformed personnel of the PNP.
The 42 other SAF commandos who were killed in the clash and five SAF police commandos who survived the encounter were awarded the PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Meanwhile, the Senate is set to reopen the investigation of the Mamasapano incident. Some senators have expressed their concerns over an audio recording that contains an alleged conversation between a ranking government official and a lawmaker regarding the incident. The audio recording might be played during the reopening of the Senate hearing on the incident.
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