FULL TEXT: Draft Senate report on Mamasapano

MANILA, Philippines –  (UPDATED) The Senate panel that probed the Mamasapano incident released its findings and recommendations contained in a 129-page draft report on Tuesday, March 17.

The Joint Committee Report was drafted by the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs with the committees on peace, unification and reconciliation, and finance.

In the 12-page executive summary of the report report released by Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, the Senate panel said that President Benigno Aquino III “must bear the responsibility” for the botched operation.

The Mamasapano tragedy claimed 67 lives – including 44 police Special Action Force (SAF) troopers, 18 MILF fighters, and 5 civilians – but its repercussions go deeper. It has imperilled the peace process with the MILF, and has become another chink in the armor of President Benigno Aquino III, who saw his approval and trust ratings falling to their lowest over the incident.

The Senate panel recommended charges against resigned Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima and sacked Special Action Force commander Police Director Getulio Napeñas for their role in Oplan Exodus, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters responsible for the death of the SAF troopers.

The draft report is based on testimonies given under oath by 37 resource persons who attended the 5 public hearings and 5 executive sessions, as well as documents submitted, including the police Board of Inquiry report, Aquino’s public statements, and all applicable laws.

The draft report was circulated among the committee members for signing on Tuesday afternoon.

Here is the executive summary of the report:

Here’s the full Senate report:

Final Mamasapano Committee Report

– Rappler.com