Activists hold ‘people's hearing’ on Mamasapano clash

Various activist groups on Friday held its own hearing on the January 25 Mamasapano clash that left 44 elite policemen dead.

But unlike the hearings in Congress, no concerned official attended the “people's hearing,” held at Plaza Miranda in Manila, although they were invited to the gathering, a report on “24 Oras” said.

Instead, the groups only played audio recordings of the testimonies of the police and military officials and other resource persons who attended past hearings.

The groups said unlike the executive sessions in the Senate, the “people's hearing” was open to the public.

According to Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes, the statements of the officials clearly showed that President Benigno Aquino III must be held liable for the Mamasapano incident.

“Alam ng pangulo ang nangyaring operasyon. Maaga pa lang alam niyang may bakbakang nagaganap pero wala siya kaagad na ginawang aksyon,” said Reyes in the report.

He also said that American forces were part of the operation — a violation of existing Philippine laws.

Officials have denied the participation of American forces in the operation, their their role was limited to medical assistance to the wounded personnel.

Groups that participated in the hearing were Gabriela, Anakpawis, PISTON, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and League of Filipino Students.

The groups said similar hearings will be held in the next few days. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News