MANILA, Philippines–Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rebels murdered and robbed Special Action Force (SAF) commandos.
— At least 26 out of 44 SAF agents were shot in the head. It was possible a number of them had their vests removed before they were shot. “Clearly, there was no intent to let any of these men live.”
— The 55th Special Action Company (SAC) troopers were stationary at the cornfield. The MILF surrounded the troopers and initiated a firefight, hence its claim of self-defense is “unavailing.”
— Alan Purisima usurped authority of the Philippine National Police chief. While suspended, Purisima took charge of the presentation of “Oplan Exodus” to the President, and continued to get involved in the operation.
— The SAF commander, Director Getulio Napeñas, committed grave misconduct when he directly dealt with suspended Purisima.
— President Aquino was given inaccurate information but is ultimately responsible for the mission for giving assent and failing to stop Purisima’s usurpation of authority.
— It appears that the President, with Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. could have done more to minimize casualties.
— If they shared information on Oplan Exodus early on, coordination might have been hastened and fewer lives would have been lost.
— The President must explain his decision not to use vast resources during the incident. He is ultimately responsible for the outcome of the mission.
— The Commander in Chief might have easily ordered interagency coordination. He might have stepped in and taken responsibility since he was familiar with the plan.
— The United States had significant participation in Oplan Exodus, contrary to the Department of Foreign Affairs statement.
— Three Americans were brought by Napeñas into the Army Brigade headquarters, and three more Americans later arrived by helicopter.
— One of the Americans ordered Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan to fire the artillery. Pangilinan told him, “Do not dictate to me what to do. I am the commander here.”
— If the AFP was allowed to fire white phosphorus and artillery rounds much earlier to support pinned down troopers, battle might have ended sooner, resulting in fewer casualties.