Palace on Noy's absence in Villamor: He already expressed grief

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang defended President Benigno Aquino III's absence at the arrival honors for the slain members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force on Thursday.

In a press briefing, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said it was not in Aquino's official schedule to attend the arrival honors at the Villamor Air Base.

Coloma said Aquino, despite his absence, is one with the families of the slain policemen. He said the President already expressed his grief over the tragedy during his televised address to the nation last night.

"Naipahayag na po ng pangulo kagabi ang kanyang buong-pusong pakikidalamhati at ang kalungkutan ng buong bansa," Coloma said.

While the bodies of the slain policemen arrived at the Villamor Air Base, Aquino was in Santa Rosa City in Laguna to attend the inauguration of the Mitsubishi Motors' plant there.

Coloma said Aquino did not favor the Laguna event over the arrival honors for the fallen commandos.

"Wala pong ganong kaganapan [na merong] mas pinili," he said.

Coloma said the Palace respects the views of those who are not satisfied with Aquino's move.

He added that Aquino will lead the necrological service for the slain cops at Camp Bagong Diwa on Friday.

The commandos were killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao during an armed encounter with members of ther Moro Islamic Liberation Front.