'PNoy given false information on Mamasapano'

MANILA, Philippines - Senators on Monday grilled resigned Philippine National Police Alan Purisima for allegedly providing inaccurate information to President Benigno Aquino III during the fatal Mamasapano operation.

During the fourth session of the Senate inquiry on the Mamasapano operation, Purisima bared the exchange of text messages between him and the President during the day of the operation itself.

Purisima was the one who informed Aquino about the death of Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Marwan, at 5:45 a.m. on January 25.

When the president asked why the other targets were not captured, Purisima explained that SAF troopers had to pull out after gathering pictures as they were being fired upon by around 20 armed elements who were with Basit Usman.

"If I remember correctly, 160 SAF troopers were directly involved in this operation plus provisions for other PNP and AFP units to assist. The terrain is flat and clear as opposed to upland forested or jungle terrain," Aquino told Purisima in a text message.

Purisima assured the president that the police commandos were supported by "mechanized and artillery support."

AFP 6th Infantry Division Commander Edmundo Pangilinan confirmed that reinforcements were sent for the SAF troopers at 9:20 a.m., contrary to the information Purisima told the president that military units were already supporting the police commandos in his 5:45 a.m. text message.

Pangilinan said that the military tanks which were supposed to assist the SAF troopers were not able to enter the encounter site since the area was swampy. He added that they were not informed that the SAF had an operation in the area.

Sen. Francis Escudero then told Purisima that the information he provided to the president was false.

Purisima answered, explaining that it was his understanding that support elements will be with SAF troops on the ground.

"That understanding proved costly to SAF," Escudero said.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV concluded that Aquino himself did not get the entire picture of the incident.

"At least nakikita dito na ang presidente binibigyan lang ng updates, but the senior commander will advise the ground," Trillanes said.

Purisima told senators that he had a meeting with Aquino last December 12 to discuss coordination with the AFP regarding the Mamasapano operation.

When Sen. Drilon asked if he coordinated with the AFP, Purisima answered that it was not his task since he was suspended.