Espina puzzled: Where were 315 SAF troopers during firefight?

MANILA, Philippines - One question is puzzling Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in charge Leonardo Espina: where were the 315 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos while their 77 comrades were engaged in a firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao last Jan. 25?

In a radio interview, Espina, quoting an initial SAF report, said 392 commandos were supposed to have been involved in the operation to arrest bombers Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman.

“Why were the commandos in the assault team and blocking force wiped out and why did the teams on standby not respond to augment the forces?” he asked.

The assault team of 41 commandos from the 84th Special Action Company (SAC) Seaborne swooped down on a house in Barangay Pidsandawan, Mamasapano town where Marwan was hiding.

Another 36 commandos from the 55th SAC served as blocking force.

An undetermined number of commandos from the 45th SAC were supposed to reinforce their embattled comrades.

However, the MILF engaged them in a shootout in Barangay Tukanalipao before they were able to get near the 55th SAC team.

Police Director Benjamin Magalong, Board of Inquiry (BOI) head, said at least 420 people are expected to testify to complete the investigation.

They have documented 286 sworn statements, mostly from SAF officers and personnel who took part in the operation.

Magalong, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, said Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. has assured the BOI of the military’s full cooperation.

The sworn statements also include those of key military officers and personnel in Central Mindanao and some civilian witnesses.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she will create a team of Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors and National Bureau of Investigation agents to build up cases and prepare criminal charges against people to be identified or determined to be responsible for the death of the 44 commandos.

The House of Representatives is seeking a joint investigation with the Senate on the botched operation.

House committee on public order and safety chairman Jeffrey Ferrer said he will seek guidance from Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. who has expressed preference for a joint investigation.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop said all surviving SAF commandos who participated in the operation should be summoned.

The PNP comptroller must be asked to testify on funds provided to the SAF, he added.  – With Edu Punay, Jess Diaz, Michael Punongbayan, Janvic Mateo