Prayers for truth and accountability at fallen troopers’ wake

The Promotion of Church People’s Response and Kapatirang Simbahan Para Sa bayan (Kasimbayan) offered prayers and songs for truth and accountability at the wake of the fallen police troopers at Camp Bagong Diwa last Friday night. They were led by San Carlos (Negros Occidental) Bishop Jerry Alminaza and United Church of Christ in the Philippines Bishop Gabriel Garol.

A battalion-strong Special Action Force unit of the Philippine National Police raided several adjacent camps of two Bangsamoro groups on a supposed mission to arrest two international terrorists last January 25. The said mission was reportedly based on intelligence information provided by United States agencies. The ill-planned operation, approved and ordered by President Benigno Aquino III, resulted in the death of 44 police troopers, at least 13 Moro fighters and seven civilians, including a child.