Forum on Mamasapano sheds light on Aquino, U.S. involvement

Forum on Mamasapano sheds light on Aquino, U.S. involvement

By Jennilee Austria

On Wednesday, March 11, BAYAN-Canada held a public forum, “War, Peace, and A Regime in Crisis” at the Trinity-St. Paul United Church in Toronto. Supported by Anakbayan, Gabriela, and Migrante Ontario, the event sparked discussions about the Mamasapano armed encounter.

Bern Jagunos, ICHRP Canada

On January 25, Operation Plan Exodus broke a ceasefire between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front when police forces were sent into MILF territory to target bomb-making experts Zulkifli bin Hir (alias “Marwan”) and Abdul Basit Usman, who were on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” list without informing MILF.

Innocent civilians were killed alongside 44 SAF police, 18 MILF fighters, and 4 BIFF fighters in the botched operation. According to BAYAN-Canada, the PNP SAF attack was “orchestrated and funded by U.S. military and intelligence agencies.”

But who put the plan in motion? Bern Jagunos, committee member of the International Coalition of Human Rights in the Philippines-Canada (ICHRP-Canada), put the blame on President Benigno Aquino III.

She stated that without consulting the Philippine National Police Officer-In-Charge and the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Aquino bypassed this chain of command to appoint suspended PNP General Alan Purisima.

Alex Felipe, spokesperson, BAYAN Canada-Toronto

Moreover, Aquino did not coordinate with cabinet officials or the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and violated the Philippine Constitution and military agreements prohibiting foreign troops from conducting operations on Philippine soil, Jagunos said.

Jagunos stated that many Filipinos are reluctant to criticize Aquino, fearing that Vice President Jejomar Binay would replace him. Many believe that Binay is “corrupt and abusive and wants only to expand his political dynasty.”

This is the impetus for the national “NoyNoy Out NOW!” movement, comprised of church leaders, members of the military, media, professionals, artists and progressive organizations. Jagunos said that their aim is not to have Binay succeed Aquino but to replace Aquino with the People’s Council for National Unity, a caretaker government that would take over until the next election.

Jagunos said that U.S. participation must also be examined. She cited accounts including the sightings of American drones a week prior to the massacre, and the presence of FBI agents waiting in General Santos City for Marwan’s DNA tissue sample.

Attendees at the Mamasapano forum
(PHOTOS: HG)

BAYAN-Canada Toronto spokesperson Alex Felipe tied Mamasapano to historical U.S. involvement in the Philippines. After showing the film “What Peace? Continuing War in Sulu,” he emphasized how little has changed in Mindanao since 2008.

Felipe explained that with Mindanao’s rich oil, natural gas, and mineral reserves, the region is home to many multinational mining, tourism, agribusiness, oil and energy companies, which has resulted in a strong military presence.

Felipe stated that even with the Moros’ long struggle for self-determination, there are Cooperative Security Locations located in their territory. Felipe cited the example of Zamboanga, where the U.S. military is housed inside Philippine military facilities.

Jesson Reyes inviting people to
Flor Contemplacion rally on March 20

“The independence in the Philippines is false independence,” Felipe said. “It has been under neo-colonial control. America gets all of the advantages of colonization without political baggage.”

Jagunos revealed that Canada is also complicit, with the sale of seven helicopters to the Armed Forces of the Philippines which were likely used in bombings that killed civilians. Moreover, she stated that with RCMP Assistant Commissioner Randall Beck’s involvement in training the Philippine police, and the presence of Canadian mining companies such as TVI Pacific, there is no denying a Canadian connection to the Moro situation.

BAYAN-Canada supports the call for Aquino to resign.