The supposed participation of US forces in the Mamasapano operation was discussed during the Senate’s executive session with relieved PNP-Special Action Force chief Director Getulio Napeñas.
When asked by GMA News Online to comment on the alleged presence of eight Americans, reportedly in civilian clothes, who were monitoring the operation to take down suspected Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir (Marwan) at the SAF post, Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said the matter was included in their closed-door hearing on Monday.
Asked if it was an indication of the alleged US participation in Oplan Exodus, Sotto replied in a text message Tuesday: “Covered by our executive session. I cannot comment.”
During the Senate probe last week, Napeñas admitted seeking the help of US forces in the Mamasapano clash, but only in extricating the injured policemen.
“Nung bandang tanghali na nakatanggap na kami ng reports na may mga sugatan na, I took the initiative na humingi ng tulong sa US forces to provide us medical evacuation, pag gabi na iwi-withdraw na yung mga sugatan,” Napeñas told the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs at the time.
He also disclosed that the DNA sample of Marwan was brought to FBI agents waiting in General Santos City. Marwan’s index finger was cut off for DNA testing.
The FBI earlier said the DNA sample sent by the PNP had very high probability that it belongs to Marwan. The DNA sample was matched against those of his brother Rahmat Abdhir, who is currently detained in California for terrorism-related charges.
He also disclosed that the DNA sample of Marwan was brought to FBI agents waiting in General Santos City. Marwan’s index finger was cut off for DNA testing.
The FBI earlier said the DNA sample sent by the PNP had very high probability that it belongs to Marwan. The DNA sample was matched against those of his brother Rahmat Abdhir, who is currently detained in California for terrorism-related charges.
On Monday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the reported role of the US in the Mamasapano incident, which resulted in the deaths of over 60 people, including 44 elite PNP-Special Action Force commandos, would be covered by the ongoing probe by her department.
“Definitely,” De Lima told reporters in answering questions on whether the DOJ will look into the alleged US role in the clash. “That would be unavoidable to look into.”
Malacañang, meanwhile, has remained tightlipped about the US' reported involvement in Mamasapano operation. Instead, the Palace has tossed to Congress the responsibility to look into a report that the US funded and directed the deadly police operation.
Malacañang, meanwhile, has remained tightlipped about the US' reported involvement in Mamasapano operation. Instead, the Palace has tossed to Congress the responsibility to look into a report that the US funded and directed the deadly police operation.
'Productive'
Also on Monday, Sen. Grace Poe, chairperson of the committee on public order and dangerous drugs, described the second executive session as "productive." She, however, did not reveal specific details on what was discussed in the closed-door hearing.
“We were able to learn a lot of things, and we confirmed the things we already knew…(it was) very productive, it was free and honest. I felt our resource person was much more comfortable… Basta lahat ng kaganapan bago nangyari ang Oplan Exodus, hanggang sa nangyari at hanggang sa ngayon ay itinanong natin. So I will not confirm specifics,” Poe said.
“We were able to learn a lot of things, and we confirmed the things we already knew…(it was) very productive, it was free and honest. I felt our resource person was much more comfortable… Basta lahat ng kaganapan bago nangyari ang Oplan Exodus, hanggang sa nangyari at hanggang sa ngayon ay itinanong natin. So I will not confirm specifics,” Poe said.
She added that the senators will discuss first which information tacked during the closed-door hearing will be shared with the public.
Meanwhile, Senator Sergio Osmeña III said the US “participation in planning and advice is acceptable.”
“(But) they should not give direct orders nor fire their weapons if any,” Osmeña said in a text message to GMA News Online.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy officer, sees nothing wrong with the US helping in information and intelligence gathering.
“Coming from the military, sanay kami ng humihingi at binibigyan ng tulong ng counterpart sa US, anything na makakatulong sa pag-accomplish ng mission. Whether it will violate certain laws, I will leave it to the smart guys. I believe validation was done. Allies tayo e, yun ang value ng pagiging ally. In this age and case of terrorism, we value intelligence sharing,” Trillanes told reporters.
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