Group: PNoy 'evasive' on SAF operation

MANILA, Philippines - Militant group Bayan said that President Benigno Aquino III merely washed his hands off the Maguindanao clash between members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) and Muslim extremists , which left 44 cops dead and 11 others injured. 

 

Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said President's speech Wednesday night on the Mamasapano debacle yielded more questions than answers.

 

"It is clear that he knew of the operations against Marwan and Usman as early as May 2014 when government received 'actionable intelligence' on their location. He admits to receiving briefings on 'continuing operations' against Marwan. He admits to giving instructions to the PNP-SAF commander on the need to coordinate the efforts with other agencies."

 

"However, when pressed on his actual role in Mamasapano, whether he gave the go-signal, the president was evasive and resorted to giving reporters the run-around," Reyes said. 

 

Reyes said that President Aquino could not explain why both Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina were kept in the dark regarding the operations. 

 

"Aquino admitted that then PNP Chief Alan Purisima was coordinating efforts versus Marwan and that he was personally briefing the President up until his suspension. Aquino then admits that he continued to consult with the suspended Purisima who explained to him the 'intricacies of the plan' versus Marwan, while Roxas and Purisma continued to remain clueless," Reyes said. 

 

Reyes said the ongoing investigation of the Board of Inquiry formed to look into the incident will go nowhere as the President has already cleared himself and Purisima of any liability.