MANILA, Philippines—Move on.
In a nutshell, that was the message of Philippine National Police officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina to Police Director Getulio Napeñas who recently responded to the dressing down he got from the President.
“Just work. As I said in Regions 1 and 3, let’s move forward kahit ma meron tayong dinadala. We owe it to the people to move forward and work,” Espina told reporters on Wednesday.
Napeñas, who was lambasted by President Benigno Aquino III for mishandling the Mamasapano operation, through his lawyer, put the blame back on Aquino for giving power to suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima.
Upon the instruction of Purisima, Napeñas bypassed Espina and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and only informed them of the mission when the Special Action Force troopers were in the target area.
In one hearing at the House of Representatives, Espina turned emotional as he questioned the alleged “overkill” done to 44 policemen by Moro rebels. Napeñas approached Espina, leaned his head on the shoulder of his boss as both wept.
The former SAF commander has been administratively relieved since the January 25 operation.
Public support for Napeñas has been evident on social media.
A Facebook page was created for Napeñas with the account name “Salute to General Getulio Napeñas” with 6,104 “likes” as of posting.
The description of the page said, “This page was created to give commendation to the General who is under thorough investigation [in spite of ] the heroic execution of his duty. We salute you, Sir!”