Solon claims US link in SAF ‘massacre’

CEBU, Philippines - Kabataan Partylist is calling for a deeper probe into “Operation Wolverine” that killed 44 members of the Special Action Force in Maguindanao.

“This tragedy is not only the result of a ‘mis-encounter’ or a few lost commands on the ground. There have been reports that US forces were the ones that pushed and insisted for the dangerous operation, in effect using Philippine forces as pawns in yet another of Washington’s proxy wars,” reads a statement from Terry Ridon of Kabataan.

Ridon said reports have shown that the plan to capture Zulkifli Bin Hir alias “Marwan” has been in place as early as 2010.

In one report, he said, it was revealed that agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and ranking police officials hatched the actual operation in September 2014 following information on Marwan’s whereabouts. The reports reportedly showed further that US forces used drones and GPS to locate the suspected terrorists.

 “If these reports are to be believed, then US forces have indeed played a large role in the planning and execution of Operation Wolverine. However, neither the Palace nor the PNP top brass have spoken to clarify this matter. Everyone in government is mum about Washington’s involvement in the botched operation. What is the cause of this deafening silence?” he asked.

Ridon said the reported involvement of US forces in the recent incident, as well as other alleged illegal operations in conflict areas in Mindanao should be investigated.

“It is very likely that Washington is directly behind this operation, and Aquino, ever the lapdog, green-lighted it. It is in the interest of the public, especially the families of those who perished, that the whole truth on the matter be revealed,” Ridon added. — /JMO (FREEMAN)