Napeñas: Purisima told me not to tell Roxas, Espina of SAF operation
Video by Cathy Miranda/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines –”Huwag mo munang sabihin sa dalawa. Saka na kapag nandoon na. Ako na ang bahala kay Catapang.” (Don’t tell the two beforehand. Tell them later when its ongoing. I will take care of [AFP Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio] Catapang.)
That was how former police chief Director General Alan Purisima allegedly told then-Special Action Force (SAF) commander Director Getulio Napeñas Jr. to keep the operation against terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir secret from Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.
Under questioning by Senator Antonio Trillanes III, Napeñas said he did not take the statements of Purisima as orders but suggestions. He reiterated that he was in command, not Purisima.
The January 25, 201,5 operation named “Oplan Exodus” resulted in the killing of Abdhir, also known as Marwan, but also in the death of 44 SAF commandos.
Napeñas, during the Senate hearing on Monday, said Purisima had told him not to inform Roxas and Espina after they presented the operation to President Benigno Aquino III on January 9.
Below is the powerpoint presentation shown during the hearing by the Senate committees on public order, peace, unification, and reconciliation, and finance Monday.
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