WATCH: Coloma says Napeñas compartmentalized Mamasapano op

MANILA, Philippines - Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Thursday insisted that former Special Action Force director Getulio Napeñas compartmentalized the Mamasapano operation.

Coloma quoted Sen. Franlkin Drilon in a press conference, "Kung mayroong may nag-compartmentalize ay si Director Napeñas mismo."

The Cabinet official added that the decisions of Napeñas on coordination resulted to the death of 44 Special Action Force troopers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year.

The Palace maintained that Aquino was not directly involved in the operation and that he only guided Napeñas during the operation.

READ: Palace insists Aquino gave 'guidance' in Mamasapano op