MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III will be ready to address the nation again on the Mamasapano operation that killed 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), Malacañang said Wednesday.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the president will deliver his address once the PNP Board of Inquiry completes its probe on the fatal police operation last January 25.
Coloma said the Board of Inquiry is gathering relevant information from the International Monitoring Team and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
"Mainam na mabatid 'yung kumpletong salaysay, mapakinggan ang testimonya ng mga tropa ng PNP-SAF na lumahok sa misyong iyon para maunawaan ng ganap ang buong kaganapan sa Maguindanao," Coloma said in a press briefing.
"At sa takdang panahon, nahahanda namang magsalita muli ang Pangulo kapag nabuo na 'yung salaysay at nagampanan ang mga mahahalagang dapat gampanan ng Board of Inquiry," he added.
In his first televised address on January 28, Aquino admitted prior knowledge of the SAF operation, but said the SAF chief had observed "very minimum compliance" with his directive for proper coordination.