Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Communications Sec. Herminio “Sonny” Coloma asked the next administration to continue to seek justice for the 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who died in the botched Mamasapano encounter on January 25, 2015.
In a radio interview with state-owned dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday (May 21), Coloma said the outgoing Aquino administration did its best to give justice to the SAF 44 and their kin, but evidence and credible witnesses have been elusive.
“Hindi po tayo pwedeng mag-give up diyan sa bagay na iyan, sa paghahanap ng hustisya para sa ating mga pulis at binawian ng buhay sa Mamasapano,” said Coloma.
[Translation: We cannot give up in the crusade towards finding justice for our policemen who died in Mamasapano.]
The current administration tapped the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to lead in the probe on the tragedy.
Related: Purisima, Napeñas liable for Mamasapano encounter – Ombudsman
Malacañang also urged the Duterte administration to prioritize the peace process in Mindanao, amid the declaration of Davao del Norte First District Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, who is eyed as the next House Speaker, that the next adminstration will focus on the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and will instead vie for the implementation of federalism.
Although the decision to pass the BBL lies in the legislative department, Coloma is optimistic that the long-stalled bill will push through if thorough review of the bill will be done.
“Pero hindi naman po nasa isang vacuum iyong talakayan natin diyan. Ang masasabi na lang natin ay ‘yung pananawagan na pag-aralan mabuti at tiyakin na hindi mababalam ‘yung prosesong pangkapayapaan dahil malaki na rin po ang naging puhunan ng ating pamahalaan, ng ating sambayanan,” said Coloma.
[Translation: Discussions on the matter is not a vacuum. What we would like to stress is our appeal to study and ensure that the peace process will not stop as the government and countrymen have invested so much on the negotiations.]
“At, sa akin lang pong opinyon, nasa pambansang interes na ituloy ang pagsulong sa prosesong pangkapayapaan.” said Coloma.
[Translation: If they will give this ample time for review, many have been saying that the peace process should be pursued. And, in my opinion, a steady and ongoing peace process is a matter of national interest.]
Also read: LIST: Duterte Cabinet taking shape
