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Firearms of slain SAF men returned to PNP
The firearms of the elite PNP-Special Action Force troopers slain in a clash in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao last January 25 have been officially turned over to the Philippine National Police.
Thursday's turnover was held during ceremonies at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.
At least 16 firearms were turned over. These were the ones turned over by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to the government on Wednesday.
One of the firearms, an M4 rifle, had no lower receiver and stock group.
One of the firearms, an M4 rifle, had no lower receiver and stock group.
In an interview with reporters before the turnover, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, AFP's public affairs chief, said most of firearms turned over had missing accessories.
"Natanggalan ng attachments, accessories, na ginagamit for special operations, kagaya ng tactic lights, optics..." he said.
However, he stressed that while most of the firearms "seem to still be usable," it would be the PNP who will conduct the testing of the firearms.
Reporters wait for the turnover of the recovered firearms of the Fallen 44 at Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday, February 19. Amanda Fernandez
The PNP-SAF had lost 63 firearms during an operation in Mamasapano.
Forty-four SAF troopers died during the hours-long gunfight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and its splinter group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The troopers were then on a mission to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifi bin Hir alias Marwan of Jemaah Islamiyah and Filipino bomb maker and Abu Sayyaf member Basit Usman.
Among those present at the turnover on Thursday are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Secretary Mar Roxas, PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, and AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.
Members of the AFP and PNP linked arms during the ceremony to show "solid solidarity."
Return the rest of the firearms
Return the rest of the firearms
Meanwhile, Cabunoc said the military is calling on the MILF to return the rest of the firearms and belongings of the SAF troopers.
"Nanawagan ang AFP sa ating mga kapatid na MILF na ibalik ang mga armas at kagamitan ng ating kapulisan," he said.
At the ceremony on Wednesday, representatives from the government and the MILF shook hands to mark the turnover of the firearms at Camp Brig. Gen. Gonzalo Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. AFP chief of staff Catapang was among the officials present.
At a press conference after the turnover on Wednesday, MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal said they will continue checking if there are still firearms and equipment of the slain men in their possession.
"Gaya ng sinabi ko, hindi pa tapos ang efforts ng MILF. Hahanapin pa ang armas... Baka may natira pa sa possession ng MILF. Hahanapin namin 'yan," Iqbal said. —KG, GMA News
