BOI updates families of fallen SAF men on case developments

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)

MANILA — To keep the families and loved ones of the 44 fallen Special Action Force (SAF) members are kept abreast of the developments in the case, the Board of Inquiry (BOI) has forwarded letters and progress reports to the victims’ next-of-kin.

BOI head and incumbent Criminal Investigation and Detection Group commander Director Benjamin Magalong said the letters and progress reports were forwarded on Feb. 16.

“Our ultimate objective is not just the truth, but to bring the answers to the families of SAF 44, they must receive the rights they are entitled to and to receive timely and appropriate investigative assistance,” he said.

Days after the letters and reports were sent, the BOI utilized the PNP CIDG Quality Assurance Support to Victims (CIDG QASV) system to make numerous calls to the families of the fallen SAF men.

Chief Insp. Arvin B. Fabro, CIDG Police Community Relations Section head, personally phoned in and asked the families if they have any concern or needed clarification on the investigation reports.

During the phone conversations, the families were able to relay their observations and concerns on the inquiry, their requests for support from the government, and also expressed their appeal for the truth about the incident.

The QASV is an initiative launched by the CIDG in 2014, under Magalong’s initiative.

It serves as a conduit between the CIDG and the public on matters related to complaints/request for investigation.

It is focused on monitoring the complaints, from the initial filing until the finality of the case has been achieved, and informs complainants periodically on the result/s or developments of investigations, through the easiest or most accessible means of communication.

“We utilized the QASV as the BOI’s platform to reach out to the families. We want to keep them in the loop, from the start of the investigation up until the finality of the investigation,” Magalong said.