Don’t forget the SAF 44

The House of Representatives is set to start plenary debates tomorrow on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. Several House members expressed optimism that even with only seven session days left before Congress adjourns on June 11, the BBL could still be approved, before President Aquino’s final State of the Nation Address in July.

Who set the deadline is anyone’s guess. If everyone in government met work deadlines with the same determination, much would be accomplished. And it would be a welcome development if the same sense of urgency characterized the pursuit of justice for the 44 elite police Special Action Force commandos who were butchered last Jan. 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Blame for the deaths of the socalled SAF 44 has been placed squarely on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, assisted by its supposed splinter group the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and members of a private armed group. The MILF, the principal beneficiary of the billions in aid and other benefits specified in the BBL, has shrugged off demands from the President himself to turn over all the weapons and personal belongings looted from the fallen SAF men. The rebels have also failed to give satisfactory answers to accusations that it coddles terrorists and maintains a weapons manufacturing plant. And because of the MILF’s refusal to identify, much less turn over, any of its members who participated in the mass murder, the wheels of justice are moving slowly for the fallen SAF.

Conflicting versions about the death of wanted terrorist Basit Usman have also raised doubts about the official line that he was killed by the MILF. BBL proponents want the measure dissociated from the SAF 44. Critics say this is not possible because the killing of the SAF and the MILF’s behavior in the aftermath raise questions about the sincerity and ultimate goal of the group in negotiating peace.

Despite such concerns, Congress will likely give what Malacañang wants. The BBL’s passage by the Senate, affirmation by the Supreme Court, and approval in a plebiscite are less certain. If the government wants greater support for this measure, it would help if the public perceived justice for the SAF 44 also moving along faster than the usual leisurely pace.