Mamasapano civilian returns stolen SAF equipment

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – Some of the equipment of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) personnel who died in the January 25 debacle were turned over to authorities in Maguindanao, a police official said.

Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, Maguindanao police provincial director, said that on Saturday, February 14, an unidentified civilian turned over a Kevlar helmet, a two-way radio set, and a ballistic plate for bullet proof vest.

Jocson said the civilian asked that he remain unidentified for his security.

Jocson said the Maguindanao PNP, with the help of the local government of Mamasapano, has sent feelers to civilians and armed men who may have the equipment of fallen policemen to turn them over to the PNP.

“The civilian said he recovered the items in Barangay Tukanalipao after the encounter on January 25. I am hoping that the firearms of fallen 44 will be turned over to us soon,” Jocson said.

Forty-four commandos, 18 Moro rebels and at least 3 civilians were killed in a police surgical operation that also killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan. His Filipino cohort, Abdul Basit Usman, escaped but was reported seriously wounded.

Earlier, acting PNP chief Director Leonardo Espina has appealed on national TV for Moro rebels and civilians to turn over the firearms, mobile phones and other equipment of Fallen 44. – Ferdinandh Cabrera/Rappler.com