Noynoy pins Mamasapano tragedy on ex-SAF chief Napeñas anew

Former President Benigno Aquino III on Friday blamed anew the 2015 botched Mamasapano police operation on former Special Action Force (SAF) director Getulio Napeñas, Jr.

In a press conference at his Quezon City residence, Aquino said he was made to believe that the operation was coordinated with the military as he instructed.

"May presumption of regularity... Itong tao na pinromote ko, hindi naman siguro ako bobolahin," Aquino said of Napeñas.

Aquino said Napeñas confirmed to him at least twice that he will coordinate the operation with the military.

"Sabi ko lang, mali ba na kumuha kayo ng alalay? Mali ba na kumuha ng pwersa ng gobyerno na gawin yung obligasyon nila?" the former President said.

Aquino is facing graft and usurpation of official function before the Sandiganbayan over his alleged role in the encounter in Mamasapano. He posted bail before the Sandiganbayan's Third Division.

More than 60 people died in the encounter, including 44 SAF members.

Aquino said he never thought that the people he trusted to carry out the operation will lie to him.

"Ang tagal ko nang iniisip kung meron bang ibang paraan para hulihin itong mga ito na hindi sumunod. Depensa ko lang talaga doon, bakit ko dapat isipin na itong mga tao haharapain ako at harap-harapan bobolahin ako bilang pangulo ng republika, na wala akong atraso sa kanila?" he said.

Asked whether he thinks that the charges against him are "karma," the former President said there were people "benefiting from the status quo" who "will want to strike back at you anytime."

Napeñas and former national police chief Alan Purisima are facing the same graft and usurpation charges at the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division. 

Noy's 'alternative truth'

In an interview with GMA News, Napeñas scored Aquino for presenting an "alternative truth" to what happened in Mamasapano.

"So, kung susumahin natin 'yan, 'yan na naman 'yung alternative truth niya. Which means, ito 'yung kasinungalingan ng Presidente," he said.

"It was during the time ni PNoy na walang b*y*ag na harapin ang responsibilidad, isinisisi sa iba, despite na utos niya," Napeñas added. —KBK, GMA News