Mamasapano probe must be reopened

Malacañang claims there is nothing left to find out about the Mamasapano incident last January 25, 2015 and that reopening the investigation into why 44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force commandoes ended up dead in the hands of Moro Islamic Liberation Forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters is just a political gimmick.

Trying to find out the truth about the terrible cost in human lives is never a gimmick, political or otherwise. And even if it is, putting up with gimmickry is a small price to pay to find out what really happened when, in an operation meant to get two wanted international terrorists being coddled by the MILF and the BIFF, 44 SAF troopers were instead left to die as a sacrifice to elusive peace with Muslim rebels.

The operation was top secret, known only to President Aquino, his trusted but at the time suspended PNP chief Alan Purisima, and SAF director Getulio Napenas. Obvious reasons demanded top secrecy. But there was another reason for the secrecy. Aquino would not look good approving an operation deep into the heartland of the MILF with whom he was talking peace, especially if the mission failed.

Things would have been different in case of success. Success would allow Aquino valuable leverage. He can project himself from a position of strength. But that was not to be. While the SAF did get the terrorists, extracting the commandoes from the target did not proceed as smoothly as planned, and they soon were surrounded by the combined forces of the MILF and BIFF.

As the tragic day of January 25 wore on, it became clear that the only chance for the SAF commandoes was if the Philippine military intervened and came to the rescue. Frantic calls for help went from the field all the way to the top, as well as to military field commanders in the area. But no help came. When it eventually arrived, it was too late.

Aquino has very belatedly owned responsibility for the carnage, after much hemming and hawing and finger-pointing. Clearly he had no intention of accepting the blame. He did not even show up to receive the bodies of his own men as they came in flag-draped caskets at an air force base, opting instead to join the celebration at the opening of a foreign-owned car manufacturing plant.

If there is any gimmickry in this whole tragic episode, it is no other than Aquino's belated claim of responsibility for the massacre. It is easy to see that he only owned up to the blame to diffuse the public backlash that had come relentlessly his way. Clearly, Aquino owned up to stem the flak. He knew that once he owned up, that would be the end of it. He is immune from suit while in office, right.

Aquino also knew that no impeachment is likely to prosper against him since the House of Representatives, from which any impeachment complaint has to emanate, is dominated by his allies, allies who look up to him going into an election year. And that is precisely what happened. When Aquino owned up, the Mamasapano incident folded up, or so the administration thought.

But we owe it to the 44 SAF heroes not to let their memory fade and be soiled by official apathy, especially since the truth that is out there has been nipped in the bud and has not yet seen the full light of day. Justice must be served the SAF 44. The investigation must be reopened. It must be allowed to continue to its just and fair conclusion.