PNP honchos clueless of SAF operation in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership on Tuesday denied knowledge of the Special Action Force's (SAF) operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Sunday, where 44 police commandos were killed.

"It didn't reach us," PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina said in a televised press briefing, referring to himself and acting Chief Directorial Staff Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr.

"Napaka-importante po dito in every operation [is the] concept of operation. In this particular operation, none reached the command group. That's all I can say," Espina added.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II also said the SAF operation targeting Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, was not cleared with the command group.

"Malalaman na lang lahat 'yan sa board of inquiry. Ang masasabi lang ay hindi dumating 'yan sa command group," Roxas said in the same briefing.

The clash on Sunday with Muslim guerillas in the area where Marwan was believed to be hiding was the biggest single-day combat loss for security forces in recent history.

After attacking Marwan, the policemen came under fire from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) while some were entangled in a firefight with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) insurgents.

Roxas said there were 392 SAF members in the operation. Aside from the 44 slain policemen, 12 more were injured in the attacks from the MILF an the BIFF.

A board of inquiry comprised of senior police officials was formed to look into the incident, which may adversely affect the peace process between the Moro rebels and the government to establish an autonomous Bangsamoro region in the country's south.

SAF commander Getulio "Leo" Napeñas Jr. was ordered administratively relieved on Tuesday and recalled to Manila pending results of the investigation.