PNP acting chief: I was informed after the fact

MANILA, Philippines - He was informed by text message about the Special Action Force (SAF) operation last Sunday in Maguindanao, but only “after the fact,” Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Leonardo Espina said yesterday.

Speaking at SAF headquarters at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, the police deputy director-general said SAF commander Getulio Napeñas informed him through text message about the operation after the police commandos were already engaged in a firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

“It’s true that I was informed, but after   the fact, at past 5:30 a.m.,” Espina said. “they had already hit their objective. Then they were pinned down. So I informed the Armed Forces. I was informed but after the fact. Planning is important. I was not in the loop.”

Espina said he did not lie to The STAR on Tuesday when he denied knowing about the Maguindanao operations.

“I was informed during the actual operations, not during the planning stage,” he said.

Espina said a big difference exists between the planning stage and the actual implementation of the operation.

He was kept in the dark about the operation, he added.

The PNP-OIC said he can show his phone to prove the exchanges of information between him and Napeñas, who led about 392 SAF men when they swooped down on Mamasapano to arrest Marwan and Usman.

In a television interview, Napeñas said he was happy with the statement of President Aquino, who confirmed he had been getting guidance from the Commander-in Chief during the planning of the police operation.

“We have the so-called operation security. It is when a commander is balancing coordination while making sure no information will be leaked, which could preempt the operation for the success of the mission,” Napeñas said.

Napeñas said the connections and network of Marwn and Usman allowed them to stay in the community without being arrested.

“In reality, if we coordinate with the MILF, we cannot say that the operations would be successful,” he said, adding he did not trust the MILF.

He was hurt by the death of his men, he added.

Espina said he wants to shore up the morale of his men.

“During these times of crisis, I have to talk to the people directly. I would like to tell them that we are one. We have one objective. We are together in this problem. I was there more to console with everybody, especially the SAF.”

Espina said he would like to know if what happened was an overkill.

“I am asking why my other comrades were shot in the face,” he said in Filipino. “I am asking why the overkill.”

Espina spoke while overseeing preparations for the funeral of the 42 slain commandos in Camp Bagong Diwa.

The SAF headquarters is a few steps away from a multipurpose hall where the wake will be held until today.