Bishops urge PNoy to apologize over Mamasapano incident

President Benigno Aquino III should apologize for his role in the January 25 Mamasapano operation, which left over 60 people dead including 44 policemen, some Catholic bishops said Tuesday.

Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez said as commander-in-chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Aquino should apologize and accept responsibility over the bloody incident.

"Humility is a sign of true leadership," he said. "He should accept responsibility. Genuine leaders never pass the buck."

The policemen, all members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF), were killed when a covert operation to arrest two high-profile terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, resulted in a clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its splinter group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

For his part, Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes echoed Senator Sergio Osmeña III's call for Aquino to apologize similar to what his predecessor, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, did following the "Hello Garci" controversy.

"I agree with Serge. [Aquino] should apologize. Humility is a great virtue needed by public servants. Pride can lead to destruction," Bastes said.

Osmeña had said if the President apologizes, many of those who have lost trust in him might forgive him.

Aquino has received flak for failing to clarify his involvement in the police operation and instead blaming resigned PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima and relieved Special Action Force chief Director Getulio Napeñas Jr. for the “lapses.”

On Monday, despite widespread criticism, Malacañang remained firm against suggestions for Aquino to apologize for the Mamasapano operation. Aquino’s spokesman, Secretary Edwin Lacierda, said that the President did not commit any irregularity regarding the mission.

'Step down for fresh start'

For his part, Lipa Bishop Ramon Arguelles said the President should not only apologize but should also step down.

"He should not only apologize. He should step down to give the forsaken 44 eternal rest and give the Filipino people a fresh start," he said.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. has earlier said Aquino is keen on finishing his term until 2016.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, for his part, stressed the need for those responsible to be prosecuted.

"Not enough to apologize but punish and prosecute the ones who are responsible. Lives have been lost," he said. —Amanda Fernandez/KBK, GMA News