FILE PHOTO: Former PNP-SAF chief Getulio Napeñas (UNTV News)
MANILA, Philippines – It took 4 hours on Wednesday for the Office of the Ombudsman to finish its clarificatory hearing on its fact-finding investigation on the Mamasapano encounter.
Former SAF chief Getulio Napeñas attended the closed-door hearing to answer additional questions of the Ombudsman after the BOI report on the incident was made public.
According to Napeñas lawyer, Atty. Vitaliano Aguirre, Napeñas was given the opportunity to comment on the 22 conclusions on the BOI report.
“We think that the other conclusions are erroneous because it lacks factual basis. We understand if the BOI report cannot cover everything on this complicated investigation because they are given only 30 days,” Aguirre said.
Napeñas explained before the Ombudsman the alleged lack of preparation and thorough planning of SAF for the operation in Mamasapano.
“General Napeñas explained why BOI report said about not having an abort criteria. That’s not true because an abort criteria is included in Oplan Exodus. It was placed there. We don’t know why the BOI report missed that part,” Aguirre added.
Napeñas also elaborated that they have several simulations before they proceeded with the operation.
The former SAF director also submitted to the Ombudsman a copy of “Oplan Exodus” and also showed a video on the preparations of SAF troopers.
As of the moment, there hasn’t been any complaint filed against Napeñas on his possible administrative o criminal liability.
This inquiry is still on the level of field investigation office, and the panel may recommend preliminary investigation to dig deeper on the matter.
And once sufficient basis is found, the Ombudsman may file cases in court for the people who may be held liable on the operation. (Joyce Balancio / UNTV News)