Akbayan to Aquino: File charges vs Purisima, others

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Akbayan to Aquino: File charges vs Purisima, others
The party list group says the President has to show he is committed to enforcing accountability for the Mamasapano operation

MANILA, Philippines – Administration ally Akbayan urged President Benigno Aquino III to file charges against resigned police chief Director General Alan Purisima over his role in the January 25 Mamasapano operation that resulted in the deaths of 44 PNP Special Action Force (SAF) troopers .

“Remove Purisima completely from the PNP and hold him accountable by charging him before the appropriate bodies such as the Ombudsman for violating the terms of his suspension and gross negligence of duty,” Akbayan said in a statement on Saturday, March 14. 

It is the first of several recommendations the party list group listed following the release of the police Board of Inquiry (BOI) report on the bloodiest one-day security operation in the country’s recent history.

Akbayan said charges should also be filed against sacked SAF commander Director Getulio Napeñas and “all guilty parties” from the government, the MILF and other private armed groups.

The BOI report zeroed in on the lapses of Napeñas and Purisima, who continued to be involved in the planning of the SAF operation while he was suspended.

President Aquino continued to rely on Purisima for his advice instead of dealing with acting PNP head Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina. Purisima is a close friend of the President. 

Aquino should appoint a new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) “whose moral standing is suitable to lead the police force through this difficult period and restore the confidence of the public to the institution,” it added

Reveal extent of US role 

The party list group also asked him to reveal the “full extent” of the role of the United States of America in the operation that killed international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir or “Marwan” but also 44 eilite cops, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and at least 3 civilians.

“Despite the categorical denial of the US Embassy in any involvement in OPLAN Exodus, the report reveals that six American nationals were present at the SAF Tactical Command Post on the eve of the operation,” Akbayan said.

“These conflicting statements raise additional questions. It is imperative that the government divulge the full extent of US involvement in the operation, especially in its planning and timing,” Akbayan added.

These recommendations, Akbayan said, will show that the President is committed to enforcing accountability for Mamasapano.

(READ: Malacañang questions BOI report on Mamasapano)

Protect the peace process

Akbayan also scored the President over his failure to protect the peace process. The death of the SAF commandos in the operation that BOI said was “defective from beginning” has prompted widespread distrust with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“This affirms our earlier position that while President Aquino may have acted in good faith, he cannot avoid responsibility for Mamasapano,” Akbayan said.

It said the President should work harder to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law that promises to end the conflict between the MILF and the government.

“Stand firmly for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law even as the path to peace has now become a more difficult terrain to take,” Akbayan said.

Support remains

 

The Akbayan party list reiterated on Wednesday, March 11, that it still supported President Aquino despite the resignation of its representative in Congress, Walden Bello, who has criticized the President’s handling of the Mamasapano operation. Many of Akbayan’s top leaders hold key positions in the government. Bello is a well-respected and veteran leader of the party. – Rappler.com

 

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