The Manila Standard Today reported last week that Purisima was one of those who authorized the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) operation that led to the encounter with rebels.
The committee met Tuesday and agreed to set the hearing on February 11 at 9:30 a.m.
The committee had received letters from PNP officer-in-charge Leonardo Espina and Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino begging off from the investigation today.
In his letter, Espina cited the need for the PNP to attend to the needs of the bereaved families of the 44 SAF members killed in the clash.
Batino sent a similar letter, citing the absence of the PNP.
Committee chairman Jeffrey Ferrer said, "My observation with two letters, it's valid reason... The leadership of the PNP will have also to attend to the needs of the family. In my point of view, in humanitarian consideration, I will grant the request and we will reset the hearing next week."
Ferrer told his colleagues that he immediately calendared a hearing after resolutions calling for a congressional investigation were filed soon after the Mamasapano incident.
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, meanwhile, expressed apprehensions about possible schedule conflicts since the same resource persons will be invited to a parallel investigation of the Senate.
"There are parallel hearings in the Senate. As mentioned by the chair, this is really a very important issue. The whole country is watching. There are a lot of questions yet to be answered," he said.
Ferrer said, "Next hearing wala nang excuse. Dapat mag-attend na lahat."
House Speaker Sonny Belmonte had pushed for a joint Senate and House investigation on the matter.
Belmonte, in a text message, confirmed he has discussed his proposal with Senate President Franklin Drilon, who told him that he will take it up with the senators.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
