PNoy told slain SAF men’s families what he knew of Mamasapano clash –Palace

Families of the police commandos killed during an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last month sought an explanation from President Benigno Aquino III on what really happened during the incident, Malacañang said Thursday.

 

In a phone interview, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino had the chance to explain what he knew about the deadly operation during a seven-hour meeting on Wednesday with bereaved families of the slain Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) officers.

 

"Patuloy pa rin ‘yung paghingi nila ng paglilinaw doon sa mga kaganapan kaya’t sinalaysay din ng Pangulo ‘yung kanyang nalalaman at kung ano ang kanyang pag-unawa sa mga naganap sa Mamasapano,” Coloma told reporters.

 

"Nag-ukol ng panahon ang Pangulo upang pakinggan ang mga saloobin ng mga pamilya ng mga yumaong SAF 44, at sila naman ang nagpahiwatig ng kanilang saloobin,” he added.

 

The Palace official said no heated exchanges took place between Aquino and the bereaved families during the meeting. He also said it was Aquino’s personal decision to meet with the families again.

 

"Wala namang naiulat na alitan o mainit ang pag-uusap. Sa kabilang panig ay nagkaroon naman ng pagpapaliwanagan at pinakinggan ng Pangulo lahat ng mga saloobin ng mga pamilya na dumalo doon,” Coloma said.

 

He added that during the meeting, Aquino once again assured the families of the slain SAF men of government assistance.

 

On Wednesday, Aquino, who was earlier criticized for not attending arrival honors for the slain SAF men, paid an unexpected visit to Camp Crame to meet with the families.

 

The 44 SAF men died in a firefight involving the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), with whom the Philippine government had signed a peace deal last year. Members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were also involved in the firefight.

 

Days after the bloody incident, Aquino delivered a televised speech, in which he admitted being aware of the Mamasapano operation.
 

In a subsequent speech before PNP-SAF officers, the president also mentioned that he already knew about the operation on the morning of Jan. 25. None of his security officials however could say who was updating the president. — JDS, GMA News