MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino was “at the center” of the planning and execution of the Special Action Force operation in Maguindanao and may be held liable for it, Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said yesterday following the testimony of relieved SAF chief Getulio Napeñas Jr.
Napeñas detailed how several SAF operations were planned in 2010, 2012 and 2014 to arrest Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, one of the world’s most wanted terrorists. The President reportedly received regular briefings on the manhunt from resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima.
“Police Director Napeñas’ testimony before the Senate showed how Aquino was at the center of the planning and execution of not just Oplan Exodus, but all the other operations before it that aimed to capture Marwan,” Ridon said.
“The alleged meeting at Bahay Pangarap showed that crucial decision-making for the operation was made by no less than the President himself. It disproves Aquino’s claim that he was not directly involved in the operation,” he said.
He said while he appreciated Napeñas’ courage in his testimony, he believes there is still a deliberate attempt to cover up details of Oplan Exodus.
“Where was Aquino and Purisima during the operation itself? This was not elaborated, even by Director Napeñas. Clearly, there are more questions that need to be answered,” Ridon said.
In a nationally televised address last week, Aquino had said he received regular briefings about the operations from Purisima, who was the most knowledgeable about the manhunt, but only until the PNP chief was sus- pended for six months by the Office of the Ombudsman on graft charges.
Purisima’s suspension took effect in December. But Napeñas told the Senate yesterday that the President was briefed by Purisima at Bahay Pangarap on Jan. 9 about the latest plan to get Marwan.