US offers condolences to families of SAF 44

WASHINGTON — The US State Department has offered its heartfelt condolences to the family members of the 44 police Special Action Force (SAF) commandos killed in a raid to capture top terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said at the request of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, personnel serving in the US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines responded to assist in the evacuation of casualties after the firefight.

“Any United States assistance or involvement was provided in accordance with the Philippine government,” she told a press briefing.

“We, of course, offer our heartfelt condolences to the family members of those who died trying to bring peace and stability to Mindanao,” she said.

Psaki pointed out the US has worked closely with the Philippines over the past 12 years on counterterrorism issues to advise, assist, train, coordinate information and surveillance and conduct joint exercises. 

“It was Philippines-led. That’s all the information I have at this point in time,” Psaki said.

In Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the US did not violate any Philippine laws and agreement when it helped in the retrieval of the corpses of the 44 SAF men. The Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry also said the involvement of US personnel in Operation Plan Exodus was limited to intelligence gathering and medical evacuation.

“We can conclude from these findings that US involvement in this operation did not violate any agreement or law,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said referring to the BOI report.

“The types and extent of US activities in connection with Oplan Exodus as indicated in the report of the PNP Board of Inquiry fall within the ambit of the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Board Security Engagement Board and the Visiting Forces Agreement,” he said.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives turned over a total of P5.3 million in assistance for families of the slain 44 SAF commandos.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. handed the checks to PNP finance officials at the plenary hall prior to adjourning the second regular session for the Lenten break Wednesday night. “We’re very proud of the fact that this did not come from any public fund but from our own pockets,” Belmonte said. — With Pia Lee Brago and Paolo Romero