Palace on PNoy apology: Just give him time

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III will continue to do what is right to ensure justice for the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who were killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Malacañang said Friday.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the President and the government will make the appropriate action when it comes to explaining the Mamasapano tragedy and rectify the lapses that led to it.

"Hintayin na lang po natin. Magtiwala po tayo na alam niya ang kanyang tungkulin at nagpapasya po siya ng ayon sa pinakamainam para sa kanyang mga 'Boss,' ang mga mamamayang Pilipino," Coloma said in an interview with radio DZXL RMN.

Coloma gave the same response when asked why Aquino has not apologized for the fatal January 25 operation.

"Maraming nagpahayag ng saloobin hinggil diyan. At kung maari lang ay sabihin ko na lang muli na batid iyan ng ating Pangulo, at handa naman siyang gawin iyong narararapat. Bigyan na lang po natin siya ng pagkakataon," he said.

When asked on what inhibits Aquino from making an apology, Coloma said the President fears nothing.

Aquino has been under heavy fire for supposedly mishandling the Mamasapano operation and for assigning all the blame to relieved SAF commander Getulio Napeñas instead of admitting his possible lapses.

Both the reports of the Board of Inquiry and the Senate committees that probed the Mamasapano mission found that Aquino allowed his buddy, resigned Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima, to participate in the botched operation despite his suspension back then over corruption allegations.

According to recent Pulse Asia survey, 79 percent of Filipinos think that Aquino's explanation regarding the Mamasapano operation has been insufficient.