PNP says senators ”know best” whether to reopen Mamasapano probe

January 23, 2020

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Thursday said senators “know best” whether to reopen the 2015 Mamasapano operation after Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima and ex-PNP Special Action Force chief Getulio Napeñas of graft and usurpation charges.


Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa, the PNP chief, said they are willing to participate in any inquiry.


“The PNP will always participate in any inquiry but reopening it (and) how we are going to deal with it, of course the senators know best on what to do,” he said.

"If they want us to bring records or they want us to clarify on current policies of PNP or previous policies of PNP, and if they will invite me as resource person of course I’m obliged to appear and participate,” Gamboa added.

On Thursday, Senate Blue Ribbon Comittee chairperson Richard Gordon said he wants to reopen the probe to find out why Sandiganbayan acquitted the two former police officials.


Purisima and Napenas faced charges of graft and usurpation of official functions for the botched anti-terrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, resulting in the death of 44 police commandos on Jan. 25, 2015.


“I am severely disappointed. I am totally devastated by it. Mamasapano is one of the greatest injustices of our time,” Gordon said.


Through "Oplan Exodus," the Special Action Forces conducted a secret operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Marwan, with the imprimatur of then President Benigno Aquino III and a few others, such as then suspended Police Director General Alan Purisima.


Marwan was killed in the operation. However, while the SAF troopers were retreating, they encountered armed men, including members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.


Over 60 people died in the incident, including 44 SAF members. Ella Dionisio/DMS