Noynoy Aquino to appeal Ombudsman order on criminal raps over Mamasapano incident

Former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III intends to appeal the Ombudsman’s order to file criminal charges against him over the Mamasapano massacre, his spokesperson said Friday.

In a statement, lawyer Abigail Valte said Aquino is already studying the Ombudsman’s order with his legal team.

“Former President Benigno Aquino III received the order of the Ombudsman this afternoon and is currently studying it with his lawyers, with the end view of filing a motion for reconsideration,” Valte said. 

“An initial reading shows that there may have been a misappreciation of some facts surrounding the incident, leading to some erroneous conclusions. He will seek to clarify the same through a motion for reconsideration,” she added.

Earlier in the day, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the filing of criminal charges against Aquino for alleged usurpation of authority and graft over the 2015 Mamasapano massacre.

The incident led to the deaths of more than 60 people, including 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF). — Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/RSJ, GMA News