THE National Bureau of Investigation has filed a complaint of complex crime of direct assault with murder and theft against more than 100 Moro rebels for the carnage in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January this year where more than 35 policemen were killed.
The filing of the complaint came in more than six months after the tragedy which shocked the nation and put a spotlight on the Mindanao peace efforts, including the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Those killed were members of the 55th Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF).
The NBI recommended the filing of charges against MILF commanders Ben Tikaw, Makku Tikaw, and Salik Kikuk. Also charged were officials from the MILF’s breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, particularly BIFF commanders Mer Amilil and Muslimin Gumanding Amilil.
The NBI report determined 97 others who were charged as coming from the ranks of the MILF, BIFF, and other private armed groups.