Palace denies Aquino in Zamboanga for Marwan
It was when the group returned to Edwin Andrews Air Base that the group received a full briefing on the gun battle in Mamasapano.
The President left for Manila at around 8 p.m. after being dissuaded by Gazmin from flying to Cotabato City because the airport there was not equipped for night landing.
Late information
In the aftermath of Mamasapano, President Aquino admitted being told by former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima that there was an ongoing police operation in Mamasapano.
But Mr. Aquino stressed that he learned about the full extent of the incident only when he returned to Edwin Andrews Air Base in the afternoon of Jan. 25.
He also said that he learned late in the afternoon that the 84th Special Action Company Seaborne was pinned down in Mamasapano, prompting him to order the military to link up with the beleaguered commandos.
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