DOJ sets hearing on Mamasapano encounter case

MANILA -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) has summoned the respondents and the camp of the complainants in connection with the controversial Jan. 25, 2015 Mamasapano encounter in Maguindanao.This was following the preliminary investigation scheduled by the DOJ in the said incident.In the subpoena dated Oct. 20, 2015 and signed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rosanne Balauag, the hearing was set on Nov. 11 and 27, 2015.The copy of the subpoena for the members and commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who are respondents in the case was coursed through the MILF peace panel, while the subpoena for the respondents who are members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups (PAGs) was coursed through the mayor of Mamasapano, Maguindanao.The fact-finding investigation conducted by the special investigating team of the National Bureau of Investigation and National Prosecution Service (NBI-NPS) has recommended the filing of the complaint of direct assault with murder and theft against the 90 individuals who were allegedly involved in the death of 35 members of the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015. (PNA)