Aquino meets with PNP-SAF officials to review Mamasapano operations

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday met with the officials of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) to review the botched Mamasapano operation in Maguindanao that left 44 police commandos killed.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the meeting focused on a review of the operations conducted to arrest international terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” and Basit Usman on Jan. 25.

“This review is essential in identifying points for improvement in the conduct of similar operations,” Coloma said in a statement.

He said Aquino emphasized the importance of rebuilding the capability of SAF as an elite unit of the PNP on account of the vital role it performs.

He added that Aquino pledged support for the acquisition of needed equipment and resources.

The meeting, which lasted for four hours, was also attended by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo and National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Carmelo Valmoria, and Chief Superintendents Virgilio Moro Lazo and Noli Taliño.

After the meeting, Aquino witnessed the turnover of command from Taliño, officer in charge of the SAF, to Chief Supt. Moro Virgilio Lazo, the newly appointed SAF commander.

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