Philippine ex-president objects to 2015 operation facts

By Hader Glang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AA) - Former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has objected to some facts that led to the botched 2015 Mamasapano operation that cost the lives of 44 commandos.

Aquino's spokeswoman Abigail Valte said on Friday the former president had received the order about the operation from the ombudsman, according to GMA News Online.

She said the former president said he did not directly participate in the planning and execution of the operation, as he was only briefed on the broad strokes of the plan and there was no need for him to approve it.

461640955Aquino, who served from 2010 until 2016, had signed a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) Front in 2014 to try to end a decades-long separatist rebellion in Mindanao.

On Friday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales charged Aquino with usurpation of authority and violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act, ABS-CBN report said.

Aquino's former national police chief, retired Director General Alan Purisima and the former chief of the police Special Action Force (SAF), retired Director Getulio Napenas were also accused.

The ombudsman cited Aquino for "criminal negligence," saying he participated in the "flawed" planning of a police commando raid to capture Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

Marwan was killed during the assault in the remote town of Mamasapano, but an ensuing clash between the SAF and fighters in the area resulted in scores of fatalities.

The ombudsman also said Aquino was "fully aware" that Purisima was serving out a suspension over some alleged anomalous firearms deal when "Oplan Exodus" was planned.

Yet, Aquino still allegedly allowed Purisima to participate in the planning of the anti-terror raid dubbed as Oplan Exodus in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, which took down Marwan.

The bloodshed sparked public outrage and set back the timeline of a peace accord between the government and the Philippines’ one-time largest Muslim rebel group.