Noy responsible for SAF 44 deaths, says House bloc

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino bears responsibility for the massacre of 44 Special Action Force commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25 last year, lawmakers belonging to the independent bloc of the House of Representatives said yesterday.

“Taken in its totality, the onus of responsibility for the Mamasapano massacre falls squarely in the hands of President Aquino,” the bloc said in its report on the incident.

Reps. Martin Romualdez of Leyte, Lito Atienza of Buhay and Jonathan de la Cruz of Abakada held a news conference to present their report.

Aquino, as chief executive and commander-in-chief, failed to provide guidance and leadership in the planning, execution and after-mission conduct of this critical undertaking dubbed Oplan Exodus to neutralize three suspected terrorists, they said.

“He approved and directed the mission using inputs from a limited circle of subordinates, principally then suspended PNP chief Alan Purisima and SAF chief Getulio Napeñas,” read the report.

On the day of the police raid to capture the suspected terrorists, Aquino was in Zamboanga City with several Cabinet members and high-ranking military and police officers, they said.

“In fine, he was in a position to have stepped in at the early stages of the firefight and prevented the heavy loss of lives. That he did not order a more determined effort to rescue the troops and… perhaps even to the extent of talking directly to his peace partner, MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) chairman Murad Ibrahim, to stop the firefight instead of ‘bureaucratizing’ the ceasefire and rescue operations has fuelled suspicions that he actually issued a ‘stand down’ order to the troops,” read the report.

Based on the actuations of Aquino and his companions in Zamboanga City, it was evident that there was such stand-down directive, although it was “unspoken,” they said.

Malacañang and military officials have denied there was a stand-down order for the military from Aquino.

“The MILF must share responsibility for the deadly outcome of this campaign… they should have taken every available step to turn in the high value targets (suspected terrorists) in accordance with their commitments under the ceasefire and related agreements with the government,” read the report.

Meanwhile, six survivors of the Mamasapano clash  were conferred the PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal (Medalya ng Kabayanihan) and PNP Distinguished Service Medal (Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod).

The National Police Commission has issued resolutions supporting the special awards for Police Officers 3 Solomon Agayso, Jovalyn Lozano,  Jose Mana-ar Jr.; Police Officer 2 Clifford Agayyong; and Sr. Supts. Fernando Mendez Jr. and Edgar Monsalve, according to Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, concurrent Napolcom chairman. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe