Category: Bangsamoro

From Wolverine to Exodus

Julius Mariveles Leave a comment

INVESTIGATIONS are now being conducted by different bodies and commissions following the slaying of 44 members of the elite Special Action Force in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in southern Philippines.

IMAGE FROM SAF webpage

IMAGE FROM SAF webpage

The National Police’ Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) released yesterday, February 9, 2015, the initial facts and circumstances surrounding the case.

The findings were based on “374 interviews, 318 sworn statements, SMS and call logs, and special reports submitted by the PNP-Special Action Force, local police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the Board of Inquiry as of February 8, 2015. From January 26 until (yesterday),” according to the report of the CIG chief. Forty-six investigators have spent 5,160 man-hours collecting the data which served as the basis for the findings.

We have posted on our Storify page the presentation of the CIDG chief during the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident and the full statement of the former chief of the SAF.

To where could it lead?

Julius Mariveles Leave a comment

The CHR inquiry on the Mamasapano incident

Charmaine P. Lirio

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) launched its own independent probe on the Mamasapano clash after allegations of mutilation and overkill were raised over the encounter. Investigating all forms of human rights violations is indeed a function of the Commission, but what can it do with the results of its inquiry?

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The Supreme Court, as early as 1991, defined the powers of the CHR, saying that the constitution did not intend it to have adjudicatory powers like the court or a quasi-judicial agency. The most that it can do by way of adjudication is to investigate. Subsequent decisions further clarified that while the commission under the fundamental law may “provide measures and legal aid services” to victims of HR violations, such remedies cannot be granted directly by the Commission.

It may seek judicial and extrajudicial remedies from the proper courts on behalf of the victims. With the results of its probe, it can make recommendations for appropriate actions to government agencies. In short, the CHR has limited powers; it cannot act on its own against HR violations. But, at the very least, it is another agency that could shed light on the confusing incident in Maguindanao.

To know about the members of the Commission on Human Rights, click on the photo below.

PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III offers a moment of silent prayer before the remains of the fallen Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Troopers during the Necrological Service at the NCRPO Multi-Purpose Center of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (January 30, 2015) | Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau

PRESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III offers a moment of silent prayer before the remains of the fallen Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Troopers during the Necrological Service at the NCRPO Multi-Purpose Center of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (January 30, 2015) | Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau