Trillanes: Marwan death ‘absolves’ Aquino

Video by Cathy Miranda/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III should be “absolved” from any liability now that Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan” has been confirmed dead after a bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said on Thursday.

“Assuming the President gave the go signal, tama ‘yung ginawang go signal (it was the right go signal)…” Trillanes, a former Navy officer, said at a weekly forum in the Senate.

“In my opinion that absolves the President as far as this operation is concerned,” he added.

Trillanes said even suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima had no liability over the death of 44 PNP-Special Action Force who went to the area to serve the warrants of arrest on Manwar and Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman.

The sacked SAF head, Director Getulio Napeñas, admitted that he was reporting to the suspended PNP chief while planning the operation against the two terrorists.

Trillanes said the buck stops with Napeñas, who he said should have reported directly to PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director Genera Leonardo Espina.

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