Aside from a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG), a Board of Inquiry (BOI) was created by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to look into the recent attack of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Datu Piang.
The SITG will focus on the investigation and filing of charges against suspects while the BOI will determine if there have been lapses and “professional response lapses” on the part of authorities.
The local government of Datu Piang admitted that it was alarmed by the recent attack considering that the armed group was accompanied by women and younger individuals.
“Sana po i-review ang perimeter defense ng Datu Piang nang sa ganoon ay makampante na rin ang mga tao (We are hoping for the review of perimeter defense of Datu Piang to calm the public),” Mayor Victor Samama stated.
The PNP has already added more troops in Datu Piang while neighboring municipalities are on alert. PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas headed to Cotabato to alert the Special Action Force and plan the pursuit operations for BIFF elements led by Commander Karialan alias “Bungos”.
The PNP is looking at two motives which include politics and revenge on the death of BIFF member Abu Suffian in a police operation in December 1.
The SITG is now expediting evidence gathering for the filing of charges which include attempted murder, arson, damage to property, indiscriminate firing, grave threats, and intimidation. – Report from Ryan Lesigues
