DOJ to release Mamasapano raps resolution this week

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to release this week its resolution of the criminal charges against 90 commanders and members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters ( BIFF) and private armed groups tagged in the massacre of 35 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos during the Mamasapano clash last year.

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano, head of the DOJ’s prosecutorial arm, said they would just review the findings of the investigating panel, led by Assistant State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez, before releasing the resolution.

“Most probably this week, we will release the resolution after review,” he said yesterday.

Acting Justice Secretary Emmanuel Caparas earlier said the resolution on the complex crime of direct assault with murder that the National Bureau of Investigation ( NBI) filed against the members of the MILF, BIFF and private armed groups over the killing of the SAF would be released to the public.

Caparas again appealed for understanding on why the DOJ has not resolved the charges a year after the incident, saying the panel needed to carefully study the evidence collected in the course of the preliminary investigation to ensure an airtight case against the respondents.

The charges covered the cases of 35 slain SAF men who belonged to the 55th SAF company attacked by MILF and BIFF fighters and private armed groups in the cornfields of Barangay Tukanalipao.

Of the 90 respondents, only four submitted counteraffidavits denying the charges: alleged MILF field commander Pendatun Utek Makakua, who claimed to be a farmer; Mustapha Tatak, a barangay chairman in Sapakan; and civilians Lakiman Dawaling and Khalim Keda, who were accused of being field commanders of the MILF.