MANILA, Philippines–Don’t conclude until the investigation is over.
This was the advice of the Philippine National Police to those who are speculating that the United States had a hand in the Mamasapano, Maguindanao operation that went awry and killed 44 elite policemen.
PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO
In a briefing on Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said the PNP will maintain the statement of sacked Special Action Force head Police Director Getulio Napeñas that his unit solely carried out the arrest of Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan.
Napeñas said earlier in congressional hearings that the US had no direct involvement in the bungled operation except for the medical and rescue assistance.
But several sources have claimed that the US funded and led the operation. However, the US Embassy denied the involvement of the US apart from providing a helicopter to airlift the wounded.
“General Napeñas’ statement is still subject to the investigation of the House and Senate as well as the PNP’s Board of Inquiry. We better wait for the result of the investigation,” Cerbo said.
However, Cerbo said the PNP will not deny that the US is giving police forces “support.”
“We don’t deny that the PNP receives support, not only from the US, in terms of equipment, capability enhancement, training and information sharing. We have an arrangement with ASEAN countries,” he said.
But as to the US’ direct involvement in the Mamasapano mission, Cerbo advised the media to wait for the results of the BOI.
He said it was inappropriate for the PNP to give incomplete details of the ongoing probe.
“Hindi naman masamang tumulong. The US has been our partners hindi lang sa law enforcement. Hindi ko nakikita ang dahilan para itago (It’s not bad to help. The US has been our partners, not just in law enforcement,” he added.
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