250 MILF, BIFF dead in Mamasapano clash —Napeñas

At least 250 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and private armed groups were killed by the Special Action Force commandos who went to Mamasapano, Maguindanao to arrest terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Abdul Basit Usman, suspended SAF chief Director Getulio Napeñas said Monday.

 

Napeñas said they made the estimate based on the statements of Mamasapano clash survivors Supt Raymond Train and PO2 Christopher Lalan.

“I also talked to PO2 Christopher Lalan,  the lone survivor of the 55th Company, and he told me that at lest 11 members of the combined forces of MILF, BIFF, and private armed groups were taken down by SAF troopers from his Company,” he said.

 

He added that Train was able to shoot down between 25 to 30 attackers.

 

“According to him, it is also safe to say that the entire Assault Force, the 84th Company, was able to shoot down at least 150 of the enemies,” Napeñas said.

He said the 84th and 55th Company which took part in Oplan Exodus has two and six snipers, respectively, under their helm.

 

“For sure, these highly-trained snipers could have shot down on the average of at least 20 each from the attackers,” he said.

 

The SAF chief made the claim in defense of his men who, some reports say were unprepared to do the operation.

 

“I believe it is clear that contrary to the unverified reports, the PNP SAF did its best in preparations and in the planning of our operations against Marwan and Usman…Thr SAF troopers who made their way to Brgy. Tukalanipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao are highly trained individuals,” he said. 
 

“They know what they are doing and know what to do in times of adversity and hostility. Had it been otherwise, the combined forces of the MILF, BIFF, and other private armed groups would have not suffered at least 250 casualties in the midst of the firefight that took place almost the entire day,” Napeñas added.  —NB, GMA News