Lessons of Mamasapano should not be ‘buried’: Poe

FILE: Senator Grace Poe (Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The lessons of Mamasapano massacre, including the need for justice, should not be buried with the dead, a senator said Thursday.

Senator Grace Poe made this statement during the third anniversary of the botched police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, noting that it was a “teachable moment” in Philippine history.

“Forty-four brave men and seven civilians gave up their lives to impart important lessons – some we have forgotten, many we have ignored,” Poe said in a press statement.

Poe acknowledged that although charges had been filed against people believed to be responsible, “nothing much” had happened.

“The same social and political conditions which triggered Mamasapano are still there. Peace based on justice has yet to be won,” she added.

She, meanwhile, urged the government and stakeholders to pursue “unfinished business” as the best reparations that could be offered was to create a peaceful and progressive society.

“At a time when terror has been left unabated, conflicts are resolved by force, and might is used to enforce law, all the more that the lessons of Mamasapano must not be forgotten,” Poe said.

The senator said the government should make it a point not to send out soldiers when resources were lacking, guidance was vague, and orders were unclear.

She added it should not allow civilians, and foreigners to draft battle plans with persons outside the chain of command.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, like Poe, urged the government to renew commitment to bring justice and comfort to the family and loved ones of those who sacrificed their lives.

Ejercito said the Mamasapano anniversary coincided with the start of Senate hearings on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Cotabato City.

He, meanwhile, expressed confidence that ensuring peace and development in Mindanao would be a “fitting” tribute to the sacrifice of Special Armed Forces (SAF) 44 and something that the people of Mindanao rightly deserve.