Duterte committed to uncover truth behind Mamasapano tragedy

January 25, 2018

Malacanang reiterated on Thursday President Rodrigo Duterte's commitment to uncover the truth behind the Mamasapano tragedy three years ago.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in a press briefing in New Delhi, India noted that January 25 is the National Day of Remembrance under Proclamation No. 164.

"The nation remembers the heroic sacrifice of the 44 uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force," he said referring to the policemen who were killed in the botched anti-terroris operation during the Aquino administration.

He said three years have passed and yet "the cry for justice for our fallen SAF 44 heroes remains alive --- well, remains elusive."

"President Rodrigo Roa Duterte does not wish a repeat of such a waste of lives and promising future of gallant Filipinos even as he vows to uncover the truth behind this botched operation and find a just closure for the bereaved families who lost a husband, father, brother, or son," he said.

"We call on all members of the police today to look back to the sacrifice of their fallen colleagues. Honor their memory by reliving their values of integrity and courage as you perform your duty to serve and protect the nation," Roque said.

He also urged the people to offer the most solemn prayer for the fallen SAF heroes.

"We also pray for their bereaved families that their grief may soon be appeased through the attainment of justice," he added.

The Office of the Solicitor General on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to order the Office of the Ombudsman to charge former President Benigno Aquino III with reckless imprudence resulting to homicide for the for the death of 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) in the bloody Mamasapano clash three years ago.

In a 45-page manifestation, Solicitor General Jose Calida sought the inclusion of former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima, and former Special Action Force director Getulio Napeñas Jr. as an accused for 44 counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide each.

Calida also asked the SC to stop the February 15 arraignment of Aquino, Purisima and Napeñas before the Sandiganbayan, while the petition is pending.

The Ombudsman has charged Aquino, Purisima and Napeñas with charges of usurpation of official functions and violation of the Anti-Graft Law, but it dismissed the case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. Celerina Monte/DMS