Palace respects Ombudsman order to indict Aquino

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Former President Benigno Simeon Aquino lll. JOAN BONDOC/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Malacañang respects the decision of the Ombudsman to indict former President Benigno Aquino III over his alleged hand in the botched 2015 Mamasapano operation as it hopes to achieve justice for the victims of the deadly encounter.

“We respect the Ombudsman’s constitutional mandate to investigate public officials,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

“The President recognizes the heroic sacrifice of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (SAF) 44, and it is his, and the nation’s, hope to finally bring justice to the victims and families of the Fallen 44 and put closure to the issue as part of the healing process,” Abella added.

On Friday, the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of criminal charges against Aquino for his liability in the Mamasapano massacre that cost the lives of 44 SAF officers.

READ: Ombudsman orders filing of raps vs Aquino over Mamasapano massacre

In her resolution, Ombudsman Morales ordered the filing of charges against Aquino for Usurpation of Authority (Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code) and violation of Section 3(a) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019). JPV