Cousin Bam: Aquino ultimately responsible

CAUAYAN, Isabela—Sen. Bam Aquino on Saturday said he believed his cousin, President Aquino, was “ultimately responsible” for the Mamasapano operation that led to the deaths of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) police commandos in the hands of Muslim rebels, “because of his being the commander in chief.”

But the senator said the President should not apologize simply because he was being pressured to say “sorry.”

Aquino said he signed the Senate report on its Mamasapano inquiry which included the President among the officials held responsible for the botched secret operation to arrest international terrorists in Maguindanao, but did not agree with some parts of the report.

“Even on the President’s responsibility as commander in chief, I agree with that. But there are some parts which I do not agree with so I put a note of reservation and amendment when I signed [the document],” he said.

The senator did not elaborate on what parts he wanted amended.

Aquino was here to meet with 50 student leaders and to promote a youth entrepreneurship program in the city.

He defended the President against criticism of his handling of the Mamasapano operation, saying his cousin had worked hard to deliver justice and provide benefits to the families of the slain SAF men.

Asked if the President should apologize, the senator said: “It is hard to say sorry. People may later say that he only asked for forgiveness because of his low trust ratings. If he would ever apologize, it should be expressed in some other manner.”–Villamor Visaya Jr., Inquirer Northern Luzon