New Mamasapano video 'the smoking gun': law dean
03/02/2015 12:00 PM
MANILA - A video showing relieved Special Action Force director Getulio Napenas Jr. briefing security officials a day after the Mamasapano operation opens up "a whole can of worms" about the President's involvement in the incident, according to a law dean.
Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, dean of the San Beda Graduate School of Law, said the video clearly shows that Napenas briefed the President about the Mamasapano operation and that the latter knew the Armed Forces will only be informed about the operation time on target.
"In other words, it is very clear that the President was briefed, that he knew what was happening and that he agreed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines be informed only on the time Napenas be recommended that they be informed. He cannot claim hindi niya alam ang nangyayari," he told radio DZMM.
Aquino said the new video should be used in the ongoing investigations of both the Senate, the House of Representatives and other in investigating bodies.
"This is the smoking gun and if they do not include it, this is willful omission of necessary evidence," he said.
The law dean said there was no reason for Napenas to take orders from then suspended Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima if he did not know that the President was backing the suspended PNP chief.
"How could a suspended PNP chief give orders unless he has consent of his superior, who is the President himself?" he said.
He also said the issue on the Mamasapano carnage, which saw 44 SAF commandos and 18 rebels killed, will not die down due to lack of closure in the form of justice for the families of the victims.
No amount of money can make up for the lack of justice, he said.
He also pointed that the President cannot apologize for the incident because he has learned his lesson from former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who apologized for the "Hello, Garci" wiretapping scandal.
He said that instead of forgiveness, Mrs. Arroyo was condemned for talking to a poll commissioner during the 2004 presidential elections.
He said the Senate should come up with a credible, public report on the Mamasapano incident and let Malacanang own up to its responsibilities.
Finally, he said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front should give up fighters who were involved in the killing of SAF commandos.
RADIO DZMM, March 2, 2015
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