2015 Mamasapano clash
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mamasapano clash | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Moro insurgency in the Philippines and Global War on Terrorism | ||||||||
 Mamasapano town within the province of Maguindanao | ||||||||
| ||||||||
| Belligerents | ||||||||
 Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Philippine National Police Special Action Force[1] United States ArmySpecial Forces(allegedly)[2] Federal Bureau of Investigation(allegedly)[3] |  Jemaah Islamiyah |  Moro Islamic Liberation Front[4]Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom FightersUndetermined Private armies[5] | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | ||||||||
| Benigno Aquino III(allegedly) Paquito Ochoa, Jr.[6][7][8] Alan Purisima[7][8] Getulio Napeñas Joseph Votel (allegedly) James B. Comey(allegedly) | Zulkifli Abdhir Abdul Basit Usman | Ustadz Zacaria Guma[9] Ameril Umbra Kato[10] | ||||||
| Units involved | ||||||||
| 2 bomb experts | 108 and 105 Base Command[11] BIFF 1st Brigade[1] | ||||||
| Strength | ||||||||
| 392 [12] | ? | ? | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | ||||||||
| 44 Philippine police killed, 16 wounded [13][14] 1 US soldier allegedly killed[2] | JI: 1? (Zulkifli Abdhir also known as Marwan possibly killed) | MILF:11 BIFF:5[14] | ||||||
| Civilian Casualties at least 1 killed and 1 injured[14] (media report) at least 7 killed and 3 injured[15] (Suara Bangsamoro claim) | ||||||||
| Operation Wolverine Oplan Wolverine[16][8] | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Moro insurgency in the Philippines | |
| Location | Maguindanao, Philippines |
| Planned | 2010[8] |
| Planned by | Allan Purisima and Getulio Napeñas of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force[16][8] Federal Bureau of Investigation (allegedly) |
| Target | 4 nipa huts were searched to arrest Zulkifli Abdhir and Abdul Basit Usman |
| Executed by | Philippine National Police-Special Action Force United States Army Special Forces(allegedly) Federal Bureau of Investigation(allegedly) |
| Outcome | Zulkifli Abdhir reportedly killed, Abdul Basit Usman still at large. SAF suffered heavy casualties. |
| ||
The 2015 Mamasapano clash was a battle between the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) (allegedly joined by United States Army Special Forces and the Federal Bureau of Investigation) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on January 25–26, 2015 at Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Originally a mission to serve arrest warrants for high-ranking terrorists, it led to the deaths of 44 members of SAF, 16 from MILF and BIFF, and the suspected death of Zulkifli Abdhir, one of the terrorists. The mission was called "Oplan Wolverine" by the PNP-SAF.[8] The incident caused the Philippine Senate to halt the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, effectively endangering the peace process between the two sides.
Contents
[hide]Incident[edit]
On 25 January 2015, three platoons of the elite SAF police squad ventured into the guerrilla enclave of Tukanalipao, Mindanao, Philippines, with the goal of detaining high-ranking, Jemaah Islamiyah-affiliated, improvised-explosive-device experts Zulkifli Abdhir and Basit Usman. The SAF troops were then ambushed by a group of MILF militants, suffering heavy casualties. Running out of ammunition, a dozen of surviving policemen attempted to withdraw. At the same time, rebels belonging to BIFF gathered from nearby villages, immediately engaging the retreating law enforcement agents. The militants overpowered the remaining policemen, later killing the wounded and firing multiple bullets into the corpses of the slain. A total of 44 SAF officers were killed, while rebel casualties amounted to at least 5 killed and 10 wounded. According to a government source, one of the bomb makers was already under arrest when the ambush took place; his whereabouts is currently unknown.[4]
A MILF spokesman accused the SAF squads of initiating the firefight, claiming that the rebels acted in self-defense, and proposed the continuation of the peace process.[17]
Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesman said that his rebel group's relationship with the MILF's 105th Command headed by Ustadz Zacaria Guma is positive. "We're all family" Mama commenting on BIFF's relationship with Guma's unit. Mama said that there is no distinction between BIFF members and members of Guma's unit and claims that all of them are either relatives or friends of each other. It was reported that Guma's unit would engage other MILF units over disputes such as clan feuds. It was also reported that Guma is not on good terms with other MILF units which Guma views as “Munafiq,” or hypocrites.[9]
A ranking military intelligence officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said that BIFF leader Ameril Umbra Kato ordered the killing of the SAF members by his group and members of the MILF involved in the incident. The official also quoted Kato as saying “Leave no one alive and take all their firearms, ammunition and personal belongings.” A colonel from the Philippine Army, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the information and said that SAF personnel who were still alive but wounded were shot dead by some BIFF members.[10]
Casualties[edit]
Special Action Force[edit]
A total of 44 SAF personnel were killed during the encounter. #Fallen44 became a worldwide trend on social media site Twitter as an effort to honor the 44 slain SAF members.[18] The SAF casualties were later dubbed as the Fallen 44.
United States Army[edit]
Jemaah Islamiyah[edit]
Philippine officials claim that it is "highly likely" that Zulkifli Abdhir also known as Marwan, was killed during the Mamasapano encounter.[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Despite claims of his demise, the Moro National Liberation Frontclaims that Marwan is still alive. The MILF neither confirms or denies the possibility of Abdhir's demise in the clash and continues to state that they are not and have not been sheltering him.[26] The MILF later said that base on an intelligence report they receive that Marwan is dead as a result of an encounter. MILF chairman Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim said that base on their reports Marwan who was in his nipa hut home was surrounded by SAF troops and was reported to open fire first and that SAF officers were able to shoot Marwan dead. Marwan's body was reportedly left at the hut and was immediately buried. Ebrahim also said that Basmit Usman, who was also pursued by SAF troops, was able to escape.[27]
Moro Islamic Liberation Front[edit]
Mohagher Iqbal said that 18 MILF personnel were killed during combat, while 14 were injured.[28]
Civilians[edit]
Moro group, Suara Bangsamoro claimed in a post-fact finding mission report that at least 7 civilians were killed and 3 others were injured during the Mamasapano clash. Jerome Succor Aba, national spokesperson of the group, said that residents of Barangay Tukanalipao were preparing for their daily activities when SAF commandos entered the area and opened fire at the residence of the Panangulon family, resulting in the death of five-year-old child Sarah Panangulon and leaving her parents Tots and Samrah wounded. Badrudin Langalan, a farmer, was found dead hogtied at the wooden bridge in the barangay. Aba describes Langalan's body as being riddled with bullets and eyes as gouged out. Aba said that five other people were killed who were heading to the mosque in Sitio Inugog and said that based from stories of residents that the SAF was behind their deaths. “Civilians bore the brunt of the botched operations, they were made to suffer on suspicions that they are harboring terrorists. Suara calls for justice and recognition of the true victims and accountability to the police and Aquino administration,” Aba said.[15]
It was reported that Badruddin Langalan was killed by stray bullets. Badruddin's wife Sarah Langalan recalled that her husband went to charge his cellphone but never came back. 16 year old Saat Manadal was also wounded due to stray bullets and is under the intensive care unit of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.[14]
Aftermath[edit]
The incident sparked the internal displacement of several hundred families amidst fears of continued clashes.[13]
The chairman of the Philippine Senate Committee on Local Government, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stated that hearings regarding the involvement of security and armed forces provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law were halted. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano also claimed that his coalition will withdraw its support for the Bangsamoro Basic Law, endangering the ongoing peace process.[13] While the Philippine House of Representatives also suspended its hearings on the Bangsamoro Basic Law,[29] Speaker Feliciano Belmonte said that the lower house remained supportive of the measure, although it had been somewhat "eroded" due to the killings. He also took note that unlike in the Senate where Cayetano and JV Ejercito had withdrawn their sponsorship of the bill, no congressman had done the same, and that the measure would be passed on time.[30]
The Philippine National Police relieved Special Action Force head Director Getulio Napeñas of his post following the clash in Maguindanao; he was replaced by deputy SAF director Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño. In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina and Secretary of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas announced the establishment of a board of inquiry tasked with the investigation of the police encounter in Maguindanao.[12]
President Aquino delivered a televised address on January 28. He said that the MILF should identify those who were involved in the killing of the members of the SAF, return the slain SAF members' guns and personal belongings, and allow the government to continue their operation against the terrorists. In addition, he also declared January 30 as a "National Day of Mourning", and pressed for the immediate Congressional approval of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.[31] Aquino admitted that there was a "lack of coordination" among the government forces and the MILF, that he and suspended police chief Alan Purisima personally knew of the operations, and that both Roxas and Espina were not notified of it beforehand. Furthermore, Aquino was not able to explain why these two officials were unaware of the operations. Earlier, a Manila Standard Today article claimed that Purisima not only knew of the operation, but even took control of the operations despite being suspended from duty.[32]
Huge support and calls for justice were high on the agenda of the Filipinos, showing support to the slain cops and has been trending through various social media. Local police forces as well as the military personnel wore black armbands in sympathy with their fallen comrades.[33]
Reactions[edit]
Local[edit]
Leftist militant group, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) led by Renato Reyes Jr. questioned President Benigno Aquino III regarding allegations that he knew of the police operation citing a prior report by Manila Standard. The newspaper report claimed that Aquino was aware of the operation and that Aquino assigned suspended PNP Alan Purisima to lead the operation without the knowledge of DILG secretary Mar Roxas II. It also claimed that the operation were a directive from the United States which "even offered a $5-million bounty for Marwan's capture." Bayan also added that it supports the peace process while calling for an investigation on the incident in Mamasapano and called for those who were behind the operation to be held unaccountable.[34] Leftist group Anakpawis also made a similar statement, blaming Aquino for the aftermath of the Mamasapano clash suspecting that Aquino was mum on the alleged direct role of suspended police chief Purisima and the United States. The group also appealed to the public to be cautious in blaming the MILF for the incident.[35]
The Communist Party of the Philippines expressed sympathies to the victims of the Mamasapano clash. "The CPP sympathizes with the families of the police troops who were sacrificed at the altar of the US Terror War. It calls on all PNP officers and troops to speak up and stand against the Aquino regime and its police officials who ordered the Mamasapano operation and expose continuing US military interventionism in the Philippines," the Communist Party said condemning the Aquino government including the United States which the party claims to be involved in the incident. The Communist Party also reiterated its call to abolish the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, the Visiting Forces Agreement, and the Mutual Defense Treaty.[36]
Former President Joseph Estrada expressed condemnation towards the rebels saying that a peace talk with them would not work and believes a declaration of an all-out war against them is only the solution to the peace process in Mindanao. Former President Fidel V. Ramos remains supportive of the peace process even though he explains that the finalization of the peace process may be after President Benigno Aquino III's term. Despite his expression of support towards the peace process, Ramos still criticized Aquino saying “There should be no hesitation on the part of the commander in chief. Otherwise, it will be part of your legacy to be always hesitant, flip-flopping,” He criticized Aquino, who is also the commander-in-chief of the PNP and the AFP, for his apparent poor strategic direction and asserts that it is the soldier, the policeman, the law enforcer, the guardian of security that suffers because of his decisions. Ramos also insists that Aquino should have made consultation with retired police officers and soldiers before the security operation in Mamasapano.[37]
International[edit]
United Nations – The United Nations team in the Philippines expressed its condolences to the families of the 44 fallen members of the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police. The team also welcomed the investigation on the incident initiated both by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). "We welcome the conduct of investigations by the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) into the incident, and the commitments expressed by President Benigno S. Aquino III, MILF Chairman Ebrahim Murad and other concerned parties in regard to sustaining focus on the peace process," UN said in a statement. The United Nations expressed its willingness to help in the ongoing peace process by releasing resources to support the process.[38]
European Union - European Union Ambassador Guy Ledoux expressed condolence to the families of the slain policemen and acknowledged that the Mamasapano incident “shows that peace is fragile, and it is regrettable that in spite of all the efforts this sort of violence still happens." and also expressed hopes that the incident will not affect the peace process in Mindanao. At the same time, the EU envoy said the doubts raised by some quarters about the viability of the peace agreement between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, including lawmakers’ suspension of discussions on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, was understandable.[39]
Australia – In a joint statement with Spain, Australia said through its Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddel, stated that his government hoped that the incident will not derail the peace process. "I think the only sensible thing I can say, when we are all trying to find out what exactly happened and why, is that how important it is for the people of the Philippines, including Mindanao, that the peace process is not discarded as a result of this tragedy and we are just hoping that that could be the case," Tweddel said. The ambassador describes the event as a "very sad development for those of us who care to see peace in the Philippines."[40]
Canada – Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said his government is saddened by the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao between the PNP-Special Action Force and Moro Islamic Liberation Front which left at least 44 government forces dead. “It is very sad to see this happen. All of us share the grief of the government and the Filipino people on what transpired,” he told reporters at a media reception. “There were so many casualties and wounded, particularly the Philippine National Police, who were in that situation,” he added. He also expressed hopes the incident will not complicate the peace process in Mindanao as some lawmakers, tasked to approve a draft law that will create a new autonomous region in Mindanao following the signing of the peace deal with the MILF, have signified their opposition to it after the incident. He also added that the Canadian government is awaiting further clarifications on what really happened in Maguindanao.[41]
Spain – In a joint statement with Australia, Spain stated that it "trusts there will be a quick investigation into the facts and the consequent accountability so that the search for solid and long-lasting peace in Mindanao can be resumed with the most extensive consensus possible,".[40] United States – US Ambassador Philip Goldberg hailed the bravery of the slain police commandos. “My thoughts, condolences to families and friends and colleagues of brave members of the Special Action Force who lost their lives this week,” Goldberg said in his Twitter account.[42]
On 30 January 2015, The US Embassy released an official statement expressing its "heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues" of the slain SAF policemen. "The SAF units fought with bravery and demonstrated their commitment to ensuring peace and order in their country," it said. Also, the embassy said the US reiterates its support for the Philippine government’s efforts to fight international terrorism while promoting a "just and lasting peaceful resolution" to the Mindanao conflict.[43]
US Embassy Press Attache Kurt Hoyer denied allegations of any US involvement in the clash after US troops in civilian clothes were seen Monday assisting in the airlifting of the wounded. Hoyer told MindaNews in a text message Tuesday morning (January 27, 2015) that "at the request of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, US service members serving in JSOTF-P (Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines) responded to assist in the evacuation of dead and wounded after the firefight in Maguindanao." He also said he will ask the Philippine National Police for the details of the operations.[44]
A sympathy walk for the 44 PNP-SAF commandos killed was held on January 30 by alumni of the PNP, the local police and various supporters and was also attended by four members of the Chicago, Illinois Police Department.[45]
United Kingdom – A Twitter post dated January 25 from the Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire was forwarded by the UK Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad, saying: "Grim news of PNP officers killed in action in Maguindanao. Our thoughts are with the families of the men who died doing their duty." [40]
No comments:
Post a Comment