De Lima assures fallen 44 PNP-SAF men will be given justice

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. TWITTER PHOTO

MANILA — Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Friday gave assurances to the families of the 44 members and officials of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who were killed by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in an encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday that they will be given justice.

In a text message, De Lima said it is still necessary to determine the truth about the whole incident, including the identification of those allegedly behind the commission of the crime.

De Lima added that it will also depend on what will be the result of the ongoing investigation.

According to De Lima, among the cases that can be filed against the perpetrators of the crime are multiple murder, homicide, serious physical injuries, direct assaults, illegal possession of firearms, violation of Republic Act No. 9851, or the “Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law”, obstruction of justice, among others.

De Lima was among the government officials who were present during the arrival of the mortal remains of the 44 fallen policemen in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City on Thursday.