MANILA, Philippines – On the one-year mark of an ill-fated police operation that claimed the lives of more than 60 Filipinos, including 44 elite cops, the head of the interior department made an appeal: don’t put politics into the mix.

“Maraming sundalo, napakaraming pulis na nagbubuwis ng kanilang buhay in the service of our country. Sana huwag natin haluan ng pulitika. Sana huwag natin kalimutan ang kanilang sakripisyo at hindi pagpiyestahan dahil sa ibang motibo,” Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento told reporters Monday, January 25, on the sidelines of the police force’s 25th anniversary celebration in Camp Crame.

(Many soldiers and police sacrificed their lives in the service of our country. Let’s not politicize it. Let us not forget their sacrifice; let us not feast on it for other motives.)

January 25 is also the one-year mark of the controversial “Oplan Exodus,” a Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force (SAF) operation that targeted known terrorists. While the SAF was able to take down one of its targets, clashes triggered by the operation saw two companies pinned down in Mamamasapano town, Maguindanao.

Forty-four troopers from the SAF died while 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and 3 civilians also lost their lives.

The clash was also one of the lowest points for the Aquino administration and the police force. President Benigno Aquino III was criticized for his perceived indifference, extent of involvement, and for allowing his friend, former PNP chief Alan Purisima, to play a role in the operation despite the latter’s suspension.

Aquino saw his numbers plummet to their lowest in the aftermath of the clash, which also erased hopes for the quick passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, the result of peace negotiations between the administration and the MILF.

One year later, the ghosts of Mamasapano continue to haunt Aquino, who critics and political rivals say is responsible for the carnage in Mamasapano.

Opposition senator Juan Ponce Enrile, out on bail for plunder charges, claims he has evidence to prove Aquino did nothing to help the beleaguered SAF.

A retired police general has also claimed to possess a recording that supposedly proves a cover-up of the clash for the sake of the BBL.

Both Sarmiento and PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez downplayed the supposed proof, pointing out that they haven’t heard the recording themselves.

Marquez, the Philippine Military Academy classmate of the general, says even he wasn’t allowed to listen to the recording prior to its public release.

Both Sarmiento and Marquez were appointed to their positions after the clash. Last year, it was retired Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina who was PNP officer in charge while Manuel Roxas II was interior secretary.

Roxas is now the standard-bearer of the ruling Liberal Party, which Aquino chairs and which Sarmiento is part of. Sarmiento used to be the LP’s Secretary General.

“Tignan natin ang kanilang sakripisyo as it is,” added Sarmiento. (Let’s view their sacrifice as it is.)

Also on Monday, the PNP will pay tribute to the 44 slain troopers and their families. All 44 will be receiving awards – 42 the Medalya ng Kagitingan and 2 others, the Medal of Valor.

Most of the families of the slain troopers are in Camp Crame for the tribute, but at least 3 familes begged off from attending.

Marquez, talking to reporters, said they don’t begrudge families who chose to skip the event. The PNP will be shouldering all expenses for the trip to Manila.

The awards of those whose families are skipping the event will be received by the SAF on their behalf. – Rappler.com