Purisima's initial report to PNoy: 20 BIFF members attacking SAF

MANILA, Philippines — Reporting to President Benigno Aquino III through text messages, then suspended Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima initially said only 15 to 20 "armed elements" from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were attacking Special Action Force (SAF) men in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25. 

Based on a transcript submitted by Purisima to the Senate committee on Monday, he was exchanging messages with Aquino on "Oplan Exodus" targeting Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao at around 7:30 a.m.

TRANSCRIPT: Text messages of Aquino, Purisima on Oplan Exodus

Purisima told Aquino that SAF commandos were under heavy fire from non-government forces near the location of their secondary target, Jemaah Islamiyah operative Basit Usman.

"The other house where Basit Usman was located with other elements reacted and fired at the troopers. There were about 15 to 20 armed elements," Purisima told Aquino, relaying events after Marwan was neutralized.

"It was about 4:30 a.m. and it was decided that they pull out after gathering pictures and other evidence. They were not able to reach the secondary elements, sir," Purisima added.

Aquino then asked him why SAF teams and their military support could not stay on top of enemy forces of 15 to 20 members.

ALSO SEE: SAF units' change in Mamasapano operation plan

"If I remember correctly, 160 SAF troopers were directly involved in this operation plus provisions for other PNP and AFP units to assist," Aquino pointed out.

"The terrain is flat and clear as opposed to upload forested or jungle terrain. Why could they not contain and/or overwhelm the 15 to 20 member opposing force?" the president also asked.

Purisima did not answer the question directly and instead reported that the fighting was against insurgents from the BIFF. No mention of the presence of members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Force was made.

"They are presently in contact with reinforcing elements from BIFF. The containment force are the ones in contact right now," Purisima answered.

Purisima, who was no longer in the chain of command, also reported around 7:30 a.m. that the commandos were already "supported by mechanized and artillery support."

The Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry (BOI) probing into the incident, however, had said that the SAF command led by Chief Superintendent Getulio Napenas only asked the 1st Mechanized Brigade of the Philippine Army for assistance at 6:00 a.m.

An initial report by the police investigating body also showed that the 36-man 55th Special Action Force Company (SAC) meant to support the assault team, the 84th SAC or Seaborne, were under heavy fire before 6:00 a.m.

It also said that the area of operations had an "unfavorable terrain" that is "marshy, crisscrossed by rivers with wide open cornfields and irrigation canals."

Only one from the 55th SAC survived the clash, while 14 others from the Seaborne were killed.