President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a separate, independent, and fair investigation into the June 18 killings of seven MILF members in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur, Sen. Robin Padilla said.
Padilla said this was related to him by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Carlito Galvez Jr.
He said it was also from Galvez that he learned about the President’s positive response to the proposal of the MILF Central Committee through its Resolution No. 001, Series of 2023, to conduct a fair, impartial, and credible investigation.
“I also coordinated immediately with the proper authorities – and met this morning with Gen. Galvez. I learned of the Executive Department’s swift response to the issue,” he said.
Padilla is seeking a Senate probe into the killings through a Senate Resolution No. 664 he filed.
He also said he hopes that in the first week of July, the implementing panel of the government and the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) will start discussions on a possible joint verification and investigation of the incident.
“All these being considered, I am giving way to the investigation. I trust that the DOJ and other agencies will move to address the issues raised by the MILF.”
“I call earnestly for the unity of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission and the Commission on Human Rights in the investigation, to ensure that human rights are upheld,” he further stated.
“The Filipino people can expect my continued support for the peace process in the Bangsamoro,” he said.