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DFA might be invited to Mamasapano probe to explain cooperation with US


The Senate committees looking into the Mamasapano incident might invite foreign affairs officials to explain the agreements entered into by the country with the United States as regards military and law enforcement cooperation, Sen. Grace Poe told reporters on Tuesday.

Poe, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said at least one senator had suggested that the Department of Foreign Affairs be asked to explain such matters.

Aside from Poe's commitee, the Senate Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation is also involved in the congressional investigation.

There have been reports that a US drone was seen flying overhead at the site of the Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash between police commandos and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on  Jan. 25. 

Foreigners, believed to be Americans, were also reportedly seen at the site.

Policemen have killed suspected terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan in alleged MILF territory in Mamasapano. They later figured in clashes with the MILF and its breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Forty-four commandos were killed and the MILF claimed that 18 of its members died in the fighting.

Asked if they have plans to call the US Embassy to the hearing, Poe said there was no motion for such but added that someone had suggested that the DFA be asked to explain the agreements with the US.

“Tatapatin ko kayo. We have to be very careful for it involves also diplomatic relations. We want peaceful ties with countries, we want their cooperation to be able to help us secure ourselves as well. We’re not trying to make more enemies in this thing but we also have to be accountable,” Poe said.
 
“So when it comes to that, it is not because we are trying to hide the information from you, we are just being careful. But we are with you in wanting to know the extent of foreign involvement because if there’s nothing to hide, if there’s nothing wrong, then there’s no reason why we should hide the information. We’re just being careful on when we’re going to release and to what extent,” she added.

Earlier, Sen. Vicente Sotto III said the supposed US role was tackled during Monday's closed-door session. Sotto, however, refused to elaborate.
 
Poe said that national security and the call for justice are both of paramount importance and the senators will always endeavor to balance each other.
 
“I think that if we do national security, it’s still justice and it’s also to maintain our sovereignty. All of that together. I’m sorry I cannot say categorically one is important over the other because that will already taint our points of view with regard to this,” she said. —NB, GMA News

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