Sinas believes justice already given to SAF 44 commandos

For Philippine National Police chief Police General Debold Sinas, justice has been served for the 44 fallen Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who were killed in the 2015 Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash.

The slain members of the elite police force were remembered and honored during a ceremony in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Monday.

When it comes to giving assistance to the families left, Sinas said the PNP leadership ensures that they continue to receive the aid, such as scholarships, given by the national government.

"Actually both sides naman may mga concerns hindi ba? But I believe 'yung sa SAF naman ay nandiyan na, naibigay na natin 'yung lahat ng tulong at benepisyo at we let history decide kung ano po ang effect noon at personally ako, maybe justice is served already para sa kanila," Sinas told reporters.

"'Yung nag-umpisa tayo after nangyari sa kanila tinulungan po sila, inasistihan... tapos yung scholarship, 'yung mga pabahay ay naibigay na po. Ngayon po ang ginagawa ng PNP headquarters ay minomonitor po na continue nila natanggap mga benepisyo at hindi napuputol," he added.

Roselle Nacino, widow of SAF commando Nicky Nacino Jr., confirmed that her family continues to receive the help that the government had promised them.

"With regards to our benefits, okay naman po. 'Yun naman pong pag-aaral ng anak ko nagagamit ko para sa scholarship," she said in a separate interview.

However, she is still seeking justice for her husband and the other SAF troops who were slain in the incident. Nacino is hoping that the probe on the case will be opened again.

"Siguro managot na lang po 'yung mga dapat managot kasi malaki rin po kasi 'yung napabayaan sila," Nacino said. "'Yun po 'yung panawagan namin na sana naman po mabuksan po ulit 'yung kaso ng SAF 44."

In January 2015, the SAF members were sent to Mamasapano to neutralize terrorist Zulkifli Bin-Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman.

Despite neutralizing Marwan, the troops were ambushed by joint forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other armed groups in the area.

On January 21, 2020, the Sandiganbayan acquitted former PNP chief Alan Purisima and ex-PNP SAF chief Getulio Napeñas of graft and usurpation charges over the botched operation due to lack of evidence. — RSJ, GMA News