DOJ witness tags MILF, BIFF, armed groups in Mamasapano clash

A witness in the Department of Justice investigation into the Mamasapano clash has identified the supposed leaders of groups that engaged the Special Action Force in a firefight on Jan. 25.

In the first part of his affidavit, the witness — who refused to be identified out of security concerns — stated that three armed groups fought against the SAF commandos, a report on "24 Oras" said on Friday.

They were the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and another group that the witness called "Massacre" since its members were part of the Maguindanao massacre of 2009. They came from Barangays Samadia, Libutan, and Linantangan.

"Nakita ko na nagdatingan ang madami pang MI [MILF], Freedom [BIFF] at Massacre na sumali sa bakbakan... Mga 250 katao po na magkahalong MI, Freedom at Massacre," the affidavit stated.

The eyewitness was also able to name the commanders of the MILF and the BIFF who allegedly fought against the elite police officers.

From the MILF, it was the groups of Kumander Maku, Kumander Ben Tikaw, Kumander Salik Kikok, and someone named Ustadz Manan Saluwang that took part in the firefight. They were lated joined by Kumander Rifi, Kumander Anife, Kumander Resbak, Kumander Tamano, and Kumander Hamves.

The witness then named Muslimin Amilil, Maroks Nanding, and Kumander Bisaya as those who led the groups from the BIFF.

SAF men surrendered, but attackers kept shooting

The affidavit also said that the witness saw the three armed groups hidning behind the trees surrounding the cornfield where the police troopers were taking cover.

Although the wounded SAF men already raised their hands to surrender, the MILF, BIFF, and Massacre continued to shoot them, the witness said.

"Pinagbabaril pa rin nila iyong mga pulis hanggang sa mapatay," the witness said.

When the SAF men were downed, the groups went to them and stole their firearms, watches, cellphones, wallets, vests, helmets, boots, and other personal items. It was the group of Kumander Hamves that took the firearms from the fallen SAF troopers.

"Nilapitan ng mga MI, Freedom at Massacre ang mga pulis na nakahiga na sa lupa at pinagbabaril pa para masigurong patay na... Hinila nila palapit sa ilog at patulak na sinipa para mahulog sa ilog 'yung mga bangkay," the affidavit stated.



'Vital information'

DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima said that the statements of the witness are very vital to their investigation since they were first-hand accounts on what really happpened in Mamasapano on January 25.

"Sinasabi ko na very vital. Sinasabi ko na may alam talaga... He was there," she said.

The PNP also said that some of the statements of the witness matched the findings of their investigation.

"Binaril sila na wala nang vest. Ibig sabihin eh napatay sila noong nahuli na sila. Talagang naging malupit 'yung kamatayan ng ating Special Action Force," said PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo.

The PNP is now calling on other possible witnesses to also submit their statements to attain justice for the deaths of more than 60 individuals.

"Lalo tayong nagagalit. Lalo tayong nasasaktan. Be assured na tutugusin natin kung sino 'yung mga responsable dito," he added. — Trisha Macas/JDS/NB, GMA News