Former Defense Sec: Aquino's defense "shabby", he left his men to die

Former Secretary of Defense Rafael Alunan III and former President Benigno Aquino III, photo compiled from Google

Former Secretary of Defense Rafael Alunan in his Facebook account, stated that former President Benigno Aquino III left his men to die, pertaining to the death of 44 Special Armed Forces members of the Philippine National Police who passed away in the infamous Mamasapano Massacre.

This was after Aquino posted his bail at the Sandiganbayan for charges of graft and usurpation of authority for the incident, and after which gave a nearly two hour media briefing.



In the briefing, Aquino defended himself and said that PNP Special Action Force director Getulio Napenas misled him.

Napenas was the one who led Oplan Exodus, aimed at arresting international terrorist Zulkifi Binhiri in Maguindano.

He said that he ordered the SAF director to minimize risk for government troops but the latter didn't pull through.

He said that there was a presumption of regularity in his part, thinking that the officer would follow his orders which were to push for an exit plan for the troops.

Aquino even presented pictures and slides, which he said were from the SAF director's laptop.



"Inalis ko ba sa kin ang sisi? Hindi, naloko ako eh. Di namin natunugan na may sumasaway sa usapan at utos-lawful order, sinuway hanggang tapos na."

Meanwhile Alunan asserts that it was the Aquino who is primarily liable.

"Pambihira talaga. Be that as it may, the more reason he should have exercised command responsibility. if he was monitoring it, why didn't immediately call and talk directly to the group he was dealing with at the peace table to stop the slaughter of SAF troopers performing a legitimate law enforcement operation? " he said.

He added that Aquino's defense is "shabby".

"Very shabby. Either he really doesn't get it or is doing his very worst to evade the truth and ultimate blame for the carnage. He left his men to die for whatever flimsy or twisted reason/s. The more he explains, the more he revives the belief that he was truly derelict in his duty as commander-in-chief. No integrity there," he said.

Source: Rafael Alunan III

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