Palace admits: Noy's Mamasapano narrative still incomplete

MANILA, Philippines - After a Pulse Asia survey indicated huge majority dissatisfaction with his explanation, Malacañang admitted Thursday that President Benigno Aquino III is still completing his own account of the bloody Mamasapano incident.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. hinted that Aquino may face the public again to shed more light on the January 25 operation that left over 60 people dead, including 44 police commandos.

"Sabihin na lang po natin na habang patuloy na inilalahad itong bagay na ito in the public fora, in the course of our continuing dialogues hinggil dito sa isyu na ito, ay binubuo pa rin naman ng Pangulo ‘yung kanyang sariling salaysay," Coloma said.

"Maaaring sa mga angkop na pagkakataon—meron naman siyang forthcoming na mga public engagements—ay maaaring kunin niya ito para magbigay ng karagdagan pang mga pahayag," he added.

Recalling Aquino's previous televised national addresses and dialogue with evangelical leaders, Coloma said the President never failed to share his knowledge about the Mamasapano operation.

"Kaya’t makikita natin sa bawat pagkakataon ay sinikap ng Pangulo na maiparating sa mga mamamayan ‘yung kanyang nalalaman," he said.

A new Pulse Asia survey revealed today that about 80 percent of Filipinos believe that Aquino's explanation regarding the Mamasapano incident has been insufficient.

READ: 8 of 10 Pinoys: Aquino's Mamasapano explanation not enough

The Palace still welcomes this news.

"Magandang senyales din na pagpapahiwatig sa hanay ng ating mga mamamayan na gustong-gusto nilang malaman ang karagdagan pang impormasyon at ‘yon naman ay pakikinggan ng ating Pangulo at ng ating pamahalaan," Coloma said.