Military chief orders probe of 2 Army commanders over Trillanes report

MANILA, Philippines–Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. has ordered the investigation of two Army commanders who reportedly went on a night out with Special Action Force (SAF) officers on the eve of the bungled counterterrorism operation that cost the lives of 44 SAF commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindano province, on Jan. 25.

Catapang and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday confirmed Sen. Antonio Trillanes’ report last week that an intelligence officer of the Philippine National Police invited the Army brigade and battalion commanders to dinner that night in Koronadal City, South Cotabato province.

Catapang said the information came up in an executive session during the Senate investigation of the Mamasapano debacle.

Gazmin identified the two military officers as Lt. Col. Romeo Bautista, commander of the 45th Infantry Battalion, and Col. Melquides Feliciano, commander of the 601st Brigade.

In disclosing the information last week, Trillanes said it appeared that the SAF, which wanted to carry out the mission alone, wanted to make sure the Army would not be able to move.

Gazmin refused to say whether he agreed with Trillanes, saying it was up to the press to speculate.

Catapang stressed that the commanders did not breach discipline by going out, as, not having been informed about the SAF mission, they had no major operation scheduled for the following day.

Still, Catapang wanted the two commanders to explain what really happened on that night and what they discussed with the police officers.

“We will find out if that (Trillanes’ claim) is true because we do not know who asked them out and who [else] were invited,” Catapang told reporters on the sidelines of the celebration of the 118th anniversary of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

“Maybe it was just a coincidence or whatever. Still, it is up to the Senate report to confirm or not to confirm whether it is related to that operation,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, Philippine Army chief, said commanders were not allowed to go out when there were scheduled military operations.

“I cannot speak for them and I cannot draw conclusions right now because I really don’t know what happened that night. But it’s natural for us to accept the invitations of the PNP and Army units are also inviting the police commanders in the field,” Iriberri said.

“On the part of the commanders, I’m sure they did it in good faith. We want to know who invited them and what his motive for the invitation was,” he added.

Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr., spokesman for the PNP, said there was no order for the board of inquiry to reconvene and look into Trillanes’ report.

“As far as PNP is concerned, our [board of inquiry] has released its official findings. As of now, there is no order for the [board] to reconvene and undertake a new investigation,” Cerbo said.

The SAF, however, has said it will look into the matter, he said.

Cerbo said Trillanes’ claims needed verification and the PNP leadership had yet to order an investigation.

“Let us wait for the official directive of the PNP leadership. As of now, there are no directives issued so far. But it does not follow that we are not interested, since there are other ongoing investigations,” Cerbo said.