SAF chief: I am not a 'bata' of anyone

MANILA, Philippines - Relieved Special Action Force (SAF) chief Getulio Napeñas on Monday dispelled claims that he was close to resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima.

In a Senate hearing on the Mamasapano operation on Monday, Napeñas clarified that he worked his way up the ladder to get his rank and position as commander of the police's elite force.

"I was not and will never be a 'bata' of anyone," Napeñas said, adding that he has never been under Purisima in his previous assignments.

Napeñas told senators that the first Purisima became his superior was when the latter was appointed as PNP chief.

"I can look to anyone... and tell him face-to-face that I worked my way up the ladder and not because of my connections but because of my performance, perseverance, dedication, credibility, dignity and integrity," Napeñas stressed.

Napeñas cited his background as a police officer at the start of his speech. He mentioned that he has been working on the case of Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan, since 2010.

A total of 44 SAF commandos were killed during an encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindano.

The police commandos were sent Mamasapano to arrest Marwan and his Filipino cohort Basit Usman.

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