MILF: Charge SAF survivor for killing sleeping men, civilian

Angela Casauay

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MILF: Charge SAF survivor for killing sleeping men, civilian
The MILF accuses PO2 Christopher Lalan – the sole survivor of the SAF company that served as the blocking force in Oplan Exodus - of– committing war crimes and human rights violations

MANILA, Philippines – The lone survivor of the 55th Special Action Company of the police Special Action Force (SAF) should be held liable for killing 3 unarmed Moro combatants who were sleeping inside a mosque and a civilian. 

In its report on the deadly clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, that killed 44 SAF members, 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants, and 5 civilians, the MILF said PO2 Christopher Lalan should be investigated for possible liabilities relating to war crimes and human rights violations. 

The MILF has accused Lalan of killing 4 unarmed men on January 26 – a day after the Mamasapano clash. 

Three of the men were killed while napping inside a mosque in Sitio Amilil, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. One of their companions was able to escape. (READ: SAF survivor kills unarmed rebels, civilian)

The 4th casualty, Mohammad Ambilang, was a civilian. The report said “the armed man” shot Ambilang, who was was with other companions, despite their pleas that they were civilians. 

According to the report, Ambilang’s companion’s identified Lalan as the man who shot their friend from the picture that was shown them by members of the MILF team that investigated the incident.

Lalan’s killing of rebels who were unable to defend themselves violated the Geneva Convention of 1944 on the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts, according to the MILF. 

Lalan also violated International Humanitarian Law and committed an “unjustified act” in killing Ambilang, an unarmed civilian, the rebel group said. 

The MILF submitted the results of its probe into the Mamasapano bloodbath to the International Monitoring Team, with copies provided to the government peace panel and the Senate, among others.

The January 25 police operation – dubbed “Oplan Exodus” – was meant to capture wanted terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir (Marwan) and Abdul Basit Usman. Marwan was killed but Usman was able to get away.

The MILF has blamed the government for failing to coordinate the operation as provided under the ceasefire agreement. Some government and security officials have meanwhile cast doubts on the sincerity of the MILF to the peace process, raising concerns as to why the terrorists were residing near MILF-controlled areas. 

Read here the full text of the MILF report on the Mamasapano incident. – Rappler.com

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