President Aquino: It is clear – SAF commandos took Marwan’s finger

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): President Aquino: It is clear – SAF commandos took Marwan’s finger

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday described as “baseless” and “irrelevant” the alternative narrative that Malaysian terrorist Marwan was killed by a companion, who also cut off his finger and gave it to commandos of the Special Action Force (SAF).

“Pero maliwanag naman po sa presentasyon natin ngayon: SAF ang nandoon; imposibleng pagdudahan pa na SAF ang kumuha ng daliri ni Marwan. Ibig sabihin din po: Lahat ng iba pang salaysay ukol sa sinasabing alternatibong naratibo ay wala nang basehan, at wala na ring saysay,” the President said during a press conference at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang Palace.

 

He explained that it was his responsibility to investigate the alternative narrative that was presented to him to uncover the complete truth -- that doing so would ensure that the tragedy does not happen again.

The President presented a photograph showing Marwan with his right hand covered with a cloth, saying he thought that Marwan’s right hand was hidden because this was where the finger was taken.

He then showed a picture showing a SAF trooper holding Marwan’s left hand, in the act of cutting off a finger, and another showing Marwan’s left hand missing a finger, with the trooper still present.

“Ididiin ko lang din po: Pinasuri natin sa cybercrime division ng National Bureau of Investigation ang SD card na naglalaman ng mga larawang ito. Ang report: ‘Our forensic examiners concluded that the pictures are authentic and unaltered,’” the Chief Executive said.He further noted that the bounty on Marwan was enormous that many are trying to muddle the reports in the hope of obtaining the reward.

Our investigation has allowed us to gain clarity on the matter, he said.

“Ngayon pong tapos na ang usapin ukol dito, uusad na tayo sa paghahanap natin ng katarungan, lalo na para sa mga nasawi. Sa ngayon po, 90 na indibidwal po ang haharap sa patas at masinsing proseso ukol sa pagpaslang sa 35 commandos ng 55th Special Action Company na bahagi po ng SAF,” the President said.

When asked about the alleged involvement of foreigners in the January 25 operation to neutralize the terrorists, the President said this is against the Philippine Constitution.

"Ang SAF walang kasamang foreigners. Bawal sa Saligang Batas natin na mag-o-operate ang foreign troops in our soil," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=805346