Senate ends Mamasapano inquiry

Senators on Tuesday, February 24, wrapped up their inquiry into the clash at Mamasapano, Maguindanao that led to the deaths of 65 people, including 44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force operators. At the final hearing, senators pressed former PNP chief Alan Purisima, former SAF chief Getulio Napeñas and other officials to identify who was responsible for the lapses in the bloody operation. Purisima acknowledged accountability for the operation, codenamed “Oplan Exodus.” Napeñas also admitted his responsibility but said he took direct orders from Purisima. Both officers affirmed that President Benigno Aquino III ordered them to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a meeting on January 9.

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