MANILA, Philippines — Former police chief Director General Alan Purisima sent President Benigno Aquino III text messages on January 25, informing him of the Special Action Force 's (SAF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Purisima, who was then suspended by the Ombudsman from his post, reported to Aquino that "armed elements" from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters fired at the retreating commandos after the target, Zulkifi bin Hir alias Marwan, was slain.
Transcript of the correspondence starting 5:45 a.m. was released by the office of Sen. Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, after it was relayed at the hearing on Monday.
Legend:
HEBSA III - His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
M1 - Marwan, the primary target
Basit - Basit Usman, a local terror suspect, the secondary target