Kin of slain SAF men unhappy over Aquino preference for Poe

ZAMBOANGA CITY—The relatives of the 44 slain members of the police’s Special Action Force are unhappy over President Benigno Aquino III’s obvious liking for Sen. Grace Poe as his potential successor.

The relatives, who spoke to the Inquirer, said they were convinced that Aquino was drafting a candidate that would spare and acquit him of criminal charges in connection with the Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash.

Rico Erana, father of slain Senior Insp. Gary Erana, said Poe could easily absolve the President of any responsibility over the incident.

“She can control the justice system once she becomes president. Like P-Noy and what he did, she can do what she wants,” Erana said.

Poe chaired the Senate committee that investigated the Mamasapano incident, which issued a report that identified Aquino as among those accountable for the deaths of over 60 people, including the 44 SAF men.

“Of course, that is the report and findings of her committee that investigated the incident and she cannot escape from it if in case she will be elected president,” Erana said.

Marilyn Tayros, a sister of Senior Insp. Rennie Tayros of the 84^th SAC, said they viewed Poe as one of the few government officials who could help them achieve justice.

But then, she said the report that Aquino was considering Poe as his likely successor brought them apprehension.

“We hope she would stand by the result of the investigation, which was based on what really took place,” she said.

Another SAF 44 relative, who declined to be identified, said Aquino should be made accountable for the outcome of the Mamasapano raid. The relative added Aquino was guilty for what happened, as well as former Philippine National Police chief Director Gen. Alan Purisima, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang, Western Mindanao Command chief Gen. Rustico Guerrero, 6th Infantry Division commander Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan and former SAF Commander Getulio Napeñas.

With Aquino reportedly handpicking Poe, the relative hoped it would not be a deterrent to the prosecution of the President.

“We hope she would not become a turncoat,” the relative said.

The said relative said they were urging Poe to “listen” to them.

“What we want is for her to reject Aquino’s proposal and better run first as Vice President in tandem with Joseph Estrada,” the relative said. RC