The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday said it was looking into reports that the United States allegedly supervised the covert operation to seize Southeast Asia’s most wanted terror suspect, which eventually led to the death of 44 elite Filipino commados in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last month.
Since the incident, several reports suggested US combat role in the operation to take out Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan. American officials in Manila have repeatedly denied the information.
Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose, at a press briefing, said the DFA’s Office of American Affairs is in touch with US Embassy representatives on the matter.
But in previous communications with the DFA, Jose said the Americans had denied involvement in the operation in Mamasapano, where Marwan was believed killed by Philippine National Police-Special Action Force commandos on Jan. 25.
The US has offered a $5-million bounty for Marwan’s capture.
The SAF’s raid on Marwan’s hideout resulted in the death of 44 SAF troopers after coming under intense gun battle with Muslim rebels in the area. The incident is said to be the worst single-day combat loss for Philippine troops in recent history.
“We asked the US Embassy and they say they were not involved,” Jose said.
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima earlier on Monday said the alleged US role in the infamous clash will be covered by the ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“Definitely,” De Lima said, answering questions on whether the DOJ will look into the alleged US role in the clash. “That would be unavoidable to look into.”
“May reported or alleged involvement of the US and the extent and scope of involvement na lumalabas ngayon sa ibang mga news items, so it may be unavoidable to look into,” she added.
Jose said the US could provide assistance to Philippine forces under existing security arrangements between Manila and Washington, but limited to training, intelligence, and equipment.
Since 2002, hundreds of US Special Forces have been deployed and scattered in the Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby islands of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Central Mindanao on a rotation basis to provide combat training and weapons to the Philippine military fighting extremist groups blamed for the country's worst terrorist attacks.
“There is regular intelligence sharing between the Philippines and the United States,” he said.
Jose confirmed that US military personnel of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines were spotted in Mamasapano after the deadly clashes between the SAF troopers and Muslim insurgents, but only to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines in extricating the casualties.
“There are agreements and framework covering that,” Jose said. “They were not there during actual combat. They are not allowed to do so.”
The Philippine Constitution bars foreign troops from engaging in combat operation in the country.
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