The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed charges against alleged perpetrators of the recent attack in Datu Piang, Maguindanao by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Multiple frustrated murder and destructive arson were filed against Salahuddin Hassan, Animbang “Karialan” Indong, and to 133 other BIFF members. Hassan and Indong are suspected to have led the group.
The complaints were filed on December 11 with the Maguindanao Provincial Prosecutors Office.
It surfaced in the investigation of the PNP Board of Inquiry (BOI) that the chief of Datu Piang Police received intelligence report a few hours before the attack.
“There is a lack of appreciation in the gathered intelligence regarding the terror plans of the BIFF. No adjustment on the Datu Piang Municipal Police station personnel, strength and capabilities,” Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) Dir. PMGen. Marni Marcos stated.
The BOI has recommended to retain the chief who recently returned to work after undergoing stress debriefing over the incident.
There was also no coordination and sharing of intelligence report between the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas said they will provide a copy of the investigation result to the AFP.
“As to kung ma-filan ng kaso, wala naman (As for filing of cases, there will be none). We just have to correct ourselves,” Sinas clarified if someone will be held accountable within the PNP.
There are only a few policemen in Datu Piang with only a 1:1,163 police to population ratio. – Report from Bea Bernardo
