Bayan calls for accountability on the Mamasapano incident

Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan condoles with the bereaved families of those killed at the Mamasapano, Maguindanao incident last January 25 that killed dozens of police commandos, Moro rebels and a civilian. It also calls for an impartial investigation on the real nature of the incursion by the police and urges accountability for the terrible loss of lives, including the possible involvement of foreign forces in its planning.

Reports say as many as 64 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force commandos, along with four MILF rebels and a civilian were killed in a gun battle that lasted as long as 11 hours. Government authorities claim the police were in the area to effect a warrant of arrest against two “high value targets” which the United States have identified as “international terrorists.” The MILF, for its part said, they had no choice but to defend themselves from the incursion that was in violation of their ceasefire agreement with the government.

In this video, Bayan spokesperson Teddy Casiño issues their initial statement on the incident.