Here is the continuation of our EXCLUSIVE interview with relieved former Director of the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) Getulio Pascua Napeñas Jr. on our morning show Kasangga Mo Ang Langit (6-7am) DWIZ 882Khz, heard on RPN provincial stations nationwide.
ASSAULT ON THE BLOCKING FORCE
When asked where the first fire came from during the deadly encounter between the BIFF, MILF, and the PNP-SAF, the director was adamant that the first round of fire came from within the compound where Marwan and his security Guzman were staying. On this count, it was the PNP-SAF that first fired.
However, the blocking force that was far from this area was engaged by the MILF. “The Board of Inquiry will turn this up for sure. They were attacked by the MILF and were not let go despite the great effort that was exerted to do so by the ceasefire committee,” he said.
DNA SAMPLE OF MARWAN
The heaviest exchange of fire happened when the SAF were on their way out with the body of Marwan in tow, according to Dir. Napeñas. “The force wanted to bring the body with them as proof. However, given the exchange that was going on, they only had time to take a picture and a DNA sample for proof,” he said.
WASN’T MARWAN BELIEVED TO BE DEAD A LONG TIME AGO?
Dir. Napeñas also shed light on the rumor that Marwan was already dead prior to this encounter. “This rumor emerged from the event where a bomb was dropped on where Marwan was staying in 2011 with Mauwiya and Doc Abu somewhere in Sulu. It turned out several months later that he did not die in that attack,” he said.
DNA RESULT WILL PROVE
According to the director, they knew that Marwan was hiding in the area due to a picture they currently have. “There was able preparation prior to this event. The intelligence group followed the right procedure of investigating before they gave this to us. We were 100% sure that he was there due to this. They wouldn’t have given us the information had they not been sure,” he said.
A FIRE FIGHT ENSUED
“Within the compound, Marwan was the first to fire. In fact, he hit one of our own on the shoulder. This is why the SAF returned fire. From the map, you can see how far our men traveled and how difficult the terrain was. This is the true showing of the dedication of our men to prevent this man from ever unleashing terror again,” said Dir. Napeñas.
THEIR BASE
“Was it also in this area that Basit Usman was located”, I asked the director. To this he replied, “Yes, they were living near each other, around 50 meters apart.”
The director also explained how the casualties reached such a high number. “When our men were making their escape, they were being fired upon. However, the blocking force that would have anticipated their arrival were also being fired upon from their end. The shots came from so many directions as you will see when the Board of Inquiry looks into it. They were being chased upon their exit from the area. So it is impossible that the opponents were only defending themselves. They chased our men with gunfire even as they were fleeing,” he said.
THE BIFF-MILF RELATIONSHIP
From my interview with Mr. Iqbal of the MILF, he admitted that the BIFF and MILF members are often relatives so it is not far fetched that they would be living near each other within the MILF territory.
Dir. Napeñas explained that the 4 houses in the compound housed Marwan and Abdul Basit Usman. “Now, I have to wonder, why are there MILF members in the area where two notorious leaders of the Jemaah Islamiyah are hiding?” he asked.
ALL OUT SUPPORT
I also asked the director what his reaction was the the withdrawal of support by several Congressmen who are retired policemen and some Senators from the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
He said that they still maintain their full support for the peace process. “We want the BBL to pass. We want this to happen because we do not want any more of our number to die in the war. I was assigned in Mindanao since 1982. I have been here for 33 years. I want this war to end. There is nothing the people in this area would like more,” he said.
WHERE ARE THE LAPSES?
When asked about the possible lapses, Dir. Napeñas merely left the issue up to the Board of Inquiry. “One thing is for sure. Our planning took months preparing individually and collectively. We covered communications, transportation, evacuation of the wounded, and all that may be needed in our mission planning,” he said.
He also said that he had no communications with Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa whose name was brought up in this issue.
ACCEPTANCE
Finally, I asked the General if he and his family were personally affected by his removal from his position.
“It is only normal for people to have a reaction. However, I choose to look at things positively and move on. Life goes on. I am still in the service and will continue working with utmost dedication and commitment to ensure the safety and peace of this country. We have accepted my relief wholeheartedly,” he said.
QUOTABLE QUOTES
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure.” – Colin Powell
“If there is one thing you’ve got to hold on to, it’s the courage to fight!” – Bessie Delany