Napenas blasts 'alternative truth' on Mamasapano

MANILA – Former Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Director Getulio Napenas criticized what President Benigno S. C. Aquino III called an "alternative version" of the series of events leading to and during the January 25 Mamasapano clash that saw 44 elite police commandos dead.

Aquino earlier said an "alternative version" of the series of events surfaced in the course of investigation into the Mamasapano clash, but a Palace official invoked the confidentiality of communication with the President in refusing to answer questions regarding the new leads.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Napenas said the “alternative truth” is an insult to the 44 fallen troopers.

“Ang katotohanan dito sa Mamasapano incident, isa lang: at ito, si Marwan, ay pinatay ng Special Action Force Troopers na nagsagawa ng legal, legitimate, lawful police operation against Marwan, at may basbas 'yan sa may pinakamataas na pinuno ng Pilipinas.”

Napenas is saddened by what he said is an attempt to veer away from the truth.

“Hawak namin 'yung credible and solid pieces of evidence,” he said.

Napenas is also wondering why the theory on the “alternative truth” surfaced only now after numerous investigations on the incident have been conducted.

The Ombudsman has approved the criminal and administrative probe against former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima, Napeñas, and nine other police officials for their role in the Mamasapano incident.

Napenas retired from the PNP in July. --report from Raffy Santos, ABS-CBN News