PNoy urged: Explain Mamasapano, ensure justice for Fallen 44

After drawing flak for his actions following the deadly Mamasapano encounter, President Benigno Aquino III is set to address the nation again this afternoon.

 

This address will come just a week after he admitted in a nationwide address last January 28 that he knew about the Mamasapano operation, which left 44 PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) dead. 

 

If his meeting with Cabinet officials on Thursday is any indication, the President is likely to speak about how the government will assist families of SAF members slain in the Mamasapano encounter.

 

In a text message, Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin said Aquino directed Cabinet officials to ensure the welfare of the police commandos’ bereaved family members even after his term.

 

“The President wanted to make sure that families and dependents of the 44 heroes be taken cared of, especially after 2016,” Garin said.

 

“He was very much concerned about seeing to it that education, health and livelihood and other pertinent necessities be in place,” she added.

 

Malacañang spokespersons did not respond when asked what the President’s speech later will be all about.

 

On January 25, 44 PNP-SAF members were killed and 12 were wounded in a firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

 

The SAF members were out to arrest Filipino bomb maker Abdulbasit Usman and Jemaah Islamiyah leader Zulkifli bin Hir—also known as “Commander Marwan,” whose death has already been confirmed by the FBI.

 

The encounter took place despite a ceasefire agreement and a peace deal between the Philippine government and the MILF.

 

Assurance of justice

 

For her part, Eliza Abirin Esmula, widow of fallen SAF trooper PO2 Amman Misuari, said she has nothing more to ask from the President, adding that she is now satisfied with the assistance offered by the government.

 

"Naguguluhan pa ako, pero may kumausap na sa'min para sa assistance, okay naman," she said. "Salamat na lang."

 

More than just assistance, however, members of the elite police unit that lost its members in the Mamasapano incident, however, want to hear from Aquino an assurance of justice for their slain comrades. 

 

A PNP-SAF member, who refused to be named, said while they are waiting for results of the Board of Inquiry, they want the President to assure them that the MILF and BIFF would be held accountable for the deaths of their 44 colleagues.

 

"Mahirap pangunahan ang board of inquiry, we are still waiting for the (results of the) Board of Inquiry, pero sana naman magkaroon ng kasiguraduhan na mananagot talaga ang MILF at BIFF," he said.

 

He added that he hopes the President would also assure them that their firearms and other equipment reportedly taken by the MILF would be returned to them.

 

"Kasiguraduhan lang talaga ang hanap namin," he said.

 

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr., meanwhile, said the police force will just listen to what the President has to say.

 

Purisima 

 

In a separate phone interview, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said the people will probably be watching out for clearer traces of accountability in the President's speech, including his role in the operations.

 

"The people will not like it if his speech will be as circuitous as before, trying to avoid the serious questions. The people will not like it if he will still not admit to his mistakes and blame others," Colmenares said.

 

"Nasa crossroads siya ngayon... It's up to him to decide whether he will deliver a speech that will admit to his accountability,” he added.

 

The party-list lawmaker added that Aquino should also clarify the role suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima played in the operation.

 

Purisima, Aquino’s longtime pal, has reportedly quit his post, but Malacañang has remained mum on his supposed resignation.

 

Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, however, has a bolder suggestion: he wants Aquino to resign over the Mamasapano incident.

 

“It’s very obvious that Malacañang is setting up a grand cover-up to keep Aquino squeaky clean despite his heavy involvement in the botched operation. Tonight, Mr. President, cut yourself some flak and resign on national TV,” Ridon said in a separate statement.

 

Vice President Jejomar Binay's camp, through spokesman Rico Quicho, said it would be "better to wait for the speech" before they comment on Aquino's address. 

 

‘Conciliatory tone’

 

Political consultant Malou Tiquia, for her part, agreed that owning up to the Mamasapano incident is “a must” in Aquino’s speech later.

 

“The President owes the country an explanation. This is his second attempt to do so. He should be direct, forthright and honest. No quibbling… The tone should be conciliatory,” Tiquia said via text message.

 

She added that Aquino also “give a deadline to the Board of Inquiry to speed up the process.”

 

Tiquia also suggested that the President demand that the MILF to identify who among its members were involved in the incident. —NB/RSJ, GMA News