Admin coalition airs concern over timing of Mamasapano probe reopening

MANILA, Philippines - The Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid has reservations on the timing of the resumption of the Mamasapano probe at the Senate, noting that many politicians seeking electoral posts are already issuing statements about the issue.

Coalition spokesman and Akbayan Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez said many individuals who were silent during the start of the Senate hearings are now dipping their fingers on the issue. 

“It’s been a year since the Mamasapano incident happened. The question is what else has not been revealed? Who will present it? What is worrisome is while I would like to believe that the intention is good, that they are after the truth, it is increasingly becoming evident that this is only for politics,” Gutierrez told reporters on Tuesday.

“Many want to dip their fingers on the issue. Even the candidates who did not speak one year ago, they are now claiming that they know something. Where did it come from and why only now?” he added.   

Gutierrez said most of the individuals who want to present evidence during the hearing are candidates for the 2016 polls but did not elaborate.

“Let us wait for the evidence to be presented but for now, the timing is suspicious,” he added.

When asked if he is in favor of playing the Mamasapano audio tapes, Gutierrez said: “What is in there? For me, as long as it can help in the investigation, why not? If it is relevant and if it has basis, why not? But we can’t dictate on them.”

“It will up to the Senate to decide,” he added.

Gutierrez expressed hopes that the Mamasapano clash will not be used for politicking.

“We do not want the issue to be dragged into politics. If we frame it that way, if we ask whether it will hurt the coalition or the candidacy of Sec. Mar (nickname of Liberal Party presidential bet Manuel Roxas II), we will in a way trivialize it and reduce it to a political gambit.” – with Levi Mora