Sen. Marcos pays respect to a member of SAF 44, renews call for justice

Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. today paid his respects to one of the Special Action Force commandos slain in the Mamasapano massacre and renewed his call for justice to the SAF 44 and their families.

Accompanied by Luna town Mayor Victor Marvin Marron, Marcos visited the tomb of the late PO3 Omar Nacionales at the Luna Memorial Park in La Union and met with the wife of slain policeman, PO2 Gae Ann Nacionales, Omar's father Dominador, and relatives and friends of the family.

PO3 Omar Nacionales was born in the Marcos town of Ilocos Norte where the senator served as governor for three terms.

"It's been nine months since the January 25 Mamasapano incident but until now the case against those responsible for the killing of the SAF 44 are still in the preliminary investigation stage," Marcos noted.

The senator was in La Union to attend the Provincial Barangay Health Workers Summit as guest of honor and speaker.

Marcos added that while criminal complaints were filed against 90 respondents, including members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and several other individuals, some of those responsible for the death of the SAF 44 have yet to be identified.

"How long must the family of the SAF 44 have to wait until justice is done?" Marcos said.

The senator urged newly-appointed Justice Secretary Benjamin Caguioa to ensure that there will be no delays in the evaluation of criminal charges against the respondents in the killing of the SAF 44 so appropriate cases can be filed in court if warranted.

Marcos also said the National Bureau of Investigation should continue its probe and exhaust all efforts to find leads that could point to other suspects in the Mamasapano incident.

"As we remember our dear departed, let us not forget the valor and the ultimate sacrifice of the SAF 44. Let us all work together and not rest until they get the justice they deserve," Marcos said.

Marcos is chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government tasked to deliberate on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, based on the government's peace pact with the MILF.

After finding the original BBL was riddled with flaws, Marcos has prepared a substitute bill now known as the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR), which is currently in the period of interpellation in the Senate.