THE Office of the Ombudsman has indicted ex-Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima and former Special Action Force head Getulio Napeñas for the ill-fated Mamasapano operation that took the lives of 44 police commandos on Jan. 25, 2015.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found probable cause to file charges of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Purisima and Napeñas coordinated a top-level meeting on Oplan Exodus with the Armed Forces of the Philippines despite Purisima’s preventive suspension, she noted.
Based on investigations, Purisima ordered Napeñas to deploy his men to serve the arrest warrants of Malaysian terrorist Zulfkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January last year, and to brief President Benigno Aquino III about Oplan Exodus.
“During the period of Purisima’s suspension, he had no authority to perform the duties and functions, much less supervise and/or participate in the conceptualization, mission planning, and execution of a high risk police operation,” Morales’ resolution read.
Purisima kept acting PNP chief Leonardo Espina out of the loop when he did not inform him about the operation during the turnover of his duties upon his suspension.
On the other hand, Napeñas usurped authority when he took orders from the suspended Purisima.
“Purisima wielded his power and influence as chief PNP, to induce Napeñas, who willingly allowed himself to be so induced, to violate the PNP chain of command, by giving instructions to, receiving recommendations from and approving the actions of Napeñas,” Morales said.
In June last year, the Ombudsman dismissed Purisima from public service and perpetually disqualified him for reemployment. He also forfeited his retirement benefits.
Napeñas retired in July 2015.
At least 44 SAF members were killed in an encounter with the combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the pursuit of Marwan.