Dying cops were looking at photos of wife, children, family on their cellphones, says survivor
MANILA - A survivor of the deadly clash between members of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, Maguindanao recounted what happened during the clash last Sunday.
Hailing from the province of Ifugao, "Robert" is one of the commandos of PNP-SAF that clashed with members of the 105th base command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He admitted that it was his first time to go to Maguindanao.
On Sunday, they went to Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano to serve arrest warrants for Zulkifli bin Hir alias ''Marwan'' and Basit Usman.
Robert believes that he survived the firefight so he can tell the story of his fallen companions.
"Siguro, God's purpose na ako ay mabuhay...personally may makausap 'yung mga mahal nila sa buhay na ganito 'yung nakita ko sa kanila, bago sila [namatay]," he said.
He narrated that he saw one of his companions looking at his cellphone moments before he was able to escape.
"Yung isa nga tumitingin sa cellphone eh, nakatingin sa [picture ng] anak niya siguro, habang gumagapang ako nakikita ko 'yung reaksiyon [nila]," Robert added.
He also saw some of his companions dead, while others who were injured were lying on the ground.
"Yung iba, patay na talaga. 'Yung iba, nawalan ng bala, na-injured, nakahiga na lang. Mukha pa lang nila...kung mabuhay man ako, ipaalam ko sa...katulad ng nakita ko, nakatingin sa cellphone."
Robert said he would visit his companions' family as soon as he can to tell them what he saw.
"Pag-uwi ko talaga, sasabihin ko sa asawa niya na ikaw 'yung tinitingnan that time."
SAVING ROBERT
He also narrated how one of his classmates sacrificed his life to help him escape.
"Yung classmate ko, n'ung nakita niya na ini-snipe na ako sa pinagagapangan ko, tumayo siya. Sabi niya, 'Classmate, sige lang, abante ka.' Tumayo talaga siya para ma-divert 'yung sniping sa kanya imbes na sa akin mapunta," Robert said.
His classmate eventually died while diverting the opponents' attention from him. One of their officers also hugged Robert, asking him not to leave them.
"Yumakap sa akin, sabi niya, 'huwag mo akong iwanan.' Sabi ko, 'Pareho lang mangyayari sa atin dito. Mag-attempt lang ako na tumakas'."
According to Robert, he tried his best to escape so as not to die in the hands of the rebels.
"Ayoko kasi na sila ang tatapos sa buhay ko...watching videos ng ginagawa nila kapag may nahuhuli sila, parang ayaw mo mamatay sa ganung paraan. Very animalistic ang ginagawa nila."
Robert started his escape early Sunday morning. He was finally able to leave the area by Monday afternoon.
STILL A COP
Despite his experience, Robert said he will not quit his job as a policeman. He only hopes the PNP gets what it deserves.
"Hindi ako magreresign, tatanggapin ko na lang kung anong ibibigay sa akin ni Lord," he said.
"Sana po kung ano po 'yung dapat para sa PNP, sana po 'yun 'yung...kung kailangan i-reform ang PNP, i-reform," he added.
Meanwhile, Robert's family in Ifugao is eager to see him.
They were able to talk to him on Sunday, before the operation in Mamasapano.
According to his father, Robert asked them to pray the rosary for them, since they will be sent on a mission.
Robert is the second of 13 children. He originally wanted to become a priest, but opted to become a policeman instead.
His mother said that if it was up to her, she would not allow her son to continue his duties as a policeman.
The family refused to comment on issues surrounding the encounter. They are hoping that they will be allowed to talk to their son. -- reports from Harris Julio, ABS-CBN News Cagayan Valley and Lerio Bompat, ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao
