Aquino moves for dismissal of complaints | Inquirer News

Aquino moves for dismissal of complaints

/ 01:18 AM January 27, 2017

President Benigno Simeon Aquino lll.  INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

President Benigno Simeon Aquino lll. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Former President Benigno Aquino III has formally denied having direct participation in the botched Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, that led to the deaths of 44 police commandos on Jan. 25, 2015.

Aquino asked the Office of the Ombudsman to dismiss the three complaints filed by the relatives of the slain SAF commandos against him, saying he could not be directly faulted for the deaths of the policemen because of his limited involvement in the operation.

ADVERTISEMENT

In his 27-page counteraffidavit, Aquino argued the case did not fall under the doctrine of command responsibility, as he had “reasonable basis” to presume the operation was being carried out with regularity.

FEATURED STORIES

He said he was not directly involved in the planning and execution of “Oplan: Exodus,” as these duties fell under the “sole discretion” of the ground commanders.

Aquino said he only received updates from the police officials, and was not even informed of the date during a Jan. 9, 2015, briefing.

“It was only on the morning of Jan. 25, 2015, that I learned that Oplan: Exodus had been implemented,” he said.

Aquino argued that his participation was “not the proximate cause” of the SAF troopers’ deaths.

He said the operation failed because of “poor planning, defective execution and lack of coordination” with the military.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Noynoy Aquino, Oplan Exodus, SAF 44

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more, please click this link.