Napeñas’ testimony bares Aquino’s ‘deep involvement’ in Mamasapano mission

MANILA, Philippines – Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon said the testimony of relieved Special Action Force commander Getulio Napeñas in the Senate showed President Aquino’s deep involvement in the planning and execution of the Mamasapano mission.

“Aquino is at the center of the planning and execution of not just Oplan Exodus, but all the other operations before that aimed to capture Marwan (Zulkifli bin Hir). The alleged meeting in Bahay Pangarap shows that crucial decision-making for the operation was made by no less than the President himself. It disproves Aquino’s claim that he was not directly involved in the operation,” said Ridon.

Ridon said Napeñas detailed how several operations, including the ones in 2010, in 2012, and 2014, were planned to arrest Marwan and were all submitted to the President for approval.

Ridon said Napenas’ testimony on a January 9 meeting in Bahay Pangarap in the Palace compound to discuss “Oplan Exodus” was revealing.

“At one point, all the other officials were asked to step out of the hall, with Aquino and Purisima left to themselves. Napeñas reported that right after Aquino and Purisima’s one-on-one talk, Purisima instructed him not to tell any other PNP or AFP officials of the plan. Napenas quoted Purisima as saying ‘Ako na ang bahala kay General Catapang,’ ” Napeñas quoted Purisima as saying. General Catapang is the Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio Catapang.

“Where was Aquino and Purisima during the operation itself? This was not elaborated, even by Director Napeñas. Clearly, there are more questions that need to be answered,” Ridon said.