Who is liable for the Mamasapano fiasco?
Who is liable for the Mamasapano fiasco?
By Jennilee Austria
Philippine Reporter Opinion Survey
Question 1: On January 25, 2015, 44 police SAF troopers,
18 MILF fighters, 6 BIFF fighters, and some civilians were
killed in the Mamasapano massacre. Who is accountable
and/or liable for these deaths? Why?
a. President Aquino
b. Resigned PNP chief Alan Purisima
c. SAF commander Getulio Napenas
d. MILF
e. BIFF
f. U.S. forces in Mindanao
g. All of the above
h. None of the above
i. Other
Question 2: Should the peace process continue between GPH
and MILF, and should the Bangsamoro Basic Law be passed
by Congress? Why?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Other
RHEA GAMANA
1. It’s President Aquino III who is liable for the situation that happened in Mamasapano as he is the Commander-in-Chief, and therefore, he has the power to give orders to his subordinates, but instead of taking accountability, he washes his hands and points his finger at other people.
2. Yes, and in my opinion, the Bangsamoro Basic Law passing should be put on hold, and the two governments must focus on peace talks to discuss Bangsamoro people’s self-determination, rights and welfare.
— Rhea Gamana, Anakbayan Toronto
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JOEY ABRENILLA
1. This is just my personal piece. I hate to say this since I’m actually pro-PNoy administration but in this incident, I think he should be held responsible. Those secret meetings with suspended PNP Chief Purisima and SAF commander Napenas are just not right! Napenas won’t order nor act without the blessing from the Commander-in-Chief and I don’t understand the involvement of the SUSPENDED officer.
2. The Bangsamoro Basic Law should be passed in Congress. I understand that there are a lot of implications and hesitations right now because of what happened to the Fallen 44 but all the more we need Peace in Mindanao. I believe all-out war is not the answer to this problem!
— Joey Abrenilla, Archdiocese of Filipino Catholic Mission & PCCF, Toronto
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1. The Philippine government under the Aquino administration and its fascist cohorts, the U.S. forces, should be held accountable. They initiated the operation without following the standard protocols of coordinating with local officials and authorities in the area. They sent SAF troops as urban combatants to a highly tactical operation in an unfamiliar terrain. On the other hand, it has been a long grievance of Bangsamoro people that the Philippine government and its colonial powers lack understanding and respect for their territorial and proprietary rights.
2. The peace process between the GPH and MILF must continue and cannot be delayed. Peace, not merely in the absence of war, but also peace based on justice. We need to pass the Bangsamoro Law immediately because the tri-people in Mindanao lived in harmony with each other even during the pre-colonial era, and hopefully this law will bring back the relationship that we, people in Mindanao, used to have: a strong and cooperative relationship setting aside our biases and prejudice.
— Ella, Mindanao native, Toronto
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KENNETH CARDENAS
1. I’d go with option (J): It’s simply too early to tell. The complete facts have not been established, and a highly-sensationalized inquiry run by traditional politicians with their eyes on 2016 cannot be trusted to establish the complete facts.
2. Yes, to both. I do not doubt the sincerity, good will, and hard work put in by the peace panel over the past few years. More importantly, the people of Mindanao and of Bangsamoro deserve peace.
— Kenneth Cardenas, “Innocent Bystander,” Toronto/Philippines
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1. Aquino clearly prioritizes the interests of the U.S. before that of the Philippines as this tragic operation proves. The delicate peace process between GRP and MILF has been compromised and the lives of Filipino citizens and soldiers sacrificed to appease U.S. dictates.
— Diwa Marcelino, Migrante, Winnipeg
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YSH CABANA
1. The U.S. should be held liable for the loss of our compatriots in Mamasapano. The pursuit for Marwan is an excuse for the U.S. “war on terror” and its result shows the servility of BS Aquino III to the U.S. agenda.
2. Yes, however, there are still questions left unanswered by the Manila government in this long struggle for peace in Mindanao: how do we account the 1968 Jabidah Massacre? The countless bombings in Zamboanga? Where is CIA agent Michael Terrence Meiring?
— Ysh Cabana, Visual Artist, Anakbayan Toronto
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1. I am not quite sure who to trust a this point. Many are saying that Mr. President has not been telling the entire account, I’m not sure if this is made up by his political rivals. I’m not sure if Mr. President himself was quite informed of the status of the operation while it was ongoing either. But I think whoever was in charge of the operation should be held accountable. At the moment, I highly think the suspended chief was in charge of his men, and the operation. If this was such a big operation, he should be involved at some point.
2. I grew up in Mindanao and I know how it’s like to live in constant fear for safety and security. I grew up hearing all these peace talks and none of them worked very well. I don’t see why the Bangsamoro Basic Law should be pushed, and I don’t see how the ARMM was insufficient for them to live perfectly. Every Filipino has rights and is protected by the law, and that includes our Muslim fellowmen. I’ve heard they feel the need for their own government because they feel “oppressed” and silenced as “original inhabitants.” I don’t see why a group of people should exclude themselves because they have a different spirituality. The greatest nations in the world welcomed different colours and faiths, I don’t see why we can’t do that.
— Eliese Villanueva, nursing student and Mindanao native, Toronto
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HANIELY PABLEO
1. All of the above because all of them are involved in the unfortunate event. Most of all, in case of the Fallen 44, the president of the Philippines must step up and admit responsibility and accountability because he is the commander-in-chief. The other guys are just pawns.
2. We should give peace a chance. War in Mindanao is not the answer. However, trust between GPH and MILF must first be established and regained. If the MILF are really sincere in seeking peace, they must surrender the weapons they got from the Fallen 44 and the men involved in the massacre. As of now, the Bangsamoro Basic Law should not be passed. It isn’t comprehensive (it is only talking to the MILF but not to other Mindanao groups). Given that trust between the government and the MILF was broken, it is difficult to say when or should the BBL be passed. Before deciding on the BBL’s fate, the Fallen 44 investigation must be finished and the liable must be punished.
— Haniely Pableo, Registered Nurse and Artist, Toronto/Philippines
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The Mamasapano massacre, like the Ampatuan Massacre is another highly criminal, highly atrocious event in our homeland…. nobody could accurately say who were responsible.
There are parties who would point at President Aquino and whoever else….. like the Ninoy Aquino assasination of bygone years, like the killings of student protesters and other innocent ordinary Filipinos. To date, we could speculate to high heavens but has justice been done?
I fear for the safety of our kababayans. I feel for the dead soldiers and their familiies. But like most of those out of country, I don’t have the full information. Friends I am in contact with from home are sick and tired of all the speculations on who are responsible for the assassination, who should take the blame or the responsibility…….. I cannot add to the finger pointing….. I wish to add that I am long aware that many revolutionary organizations well-respected and beloved years ago have turned into bandits and adventurists….. Who do you trust today?????
— Rose Tijam, President, Philippine Press Club of Ontario
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