Palace won’t seek amendment of BOI report

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang won’t seek an amendment of the Board of Inquiry (BOI) report on the fatal Mamasapano mission despite its conclusion that President Benigno Aquino III violated the Philippine National Police (PNP) chain of command.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Palace recognizes the BOI report which will stand as it is since it is now part of public record.

“Wala na pong pagbabagong gagawin diyan. Kinikilala po ito. Nagpapahayag lang nang hindi pagsang-ayon doon sa kanilang interpretasyon ng konspeto nung ng chain of command,” Coloma said in a television interview.

Released last week, the BOI report said President Aquino broke the chain of command when he dealt directly with then Special Action Force (SAF) commander Director Getulio Napeñas and allowed then suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima to take part in the Mamasapano operation that targeted Malaysian terrorist and bomb expert Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

The BOI found that Aquino broke the chain of command when he bypassed PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina and dealt directly with his close friend Purisima, who has since resigned.

Malacañang disputed the BOI report over the weekend, saying President Aquino did not violate the PNP chain of command of the Philippine National Police since the police force is a civilian organization and he “exercises full and absolute control and supervision” over every police official.

Coloma also pointed out that the BOI contradicted itself when it said on the Mamasapano report that “it is the prerogative of the President to directly communicate with any subordinate.”

Coloma continued to defend Aquino, saying he is a president who always follows the law.

“Wala pong na-violate na konsepto sa batas o sa regulasyon ang ating Pangulo sapagka’t ginagampanan niya iyong kaniyang pagiging Chief Executive. At doon sa pag ganap ng kaniyang tungkulin ay maaari naman siyang dumiretso sa isang subordinate official, katulad nga ni Director Napeñas,” the Palace official said.