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Oplan Wolverine (Hunt for Marwan); Mamasapano Operation by PNP-SAF (Jan 2015)
Topic Started: Wed Jan 28, 2015 12:48 pm (12,121 Views)
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Presentation of the Board of Inquiry during the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident, February 9, 2015

Posted on February 9, 2015

http://www.gov.ph/2015/02/09/presentation-board-of-inquiry-senate-hearing-mamasapano-february-9-2015/


Full Presentation
AFP report on timeline of Mamasapano clash

February 9, 2015 1:04pm

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/430458/news/nation/full-presentation-afp-report-on-timeline-of-mamasapano-clash
Edited by Flipzi, Wed Feb 11, 2015 8:36 pm.
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Hesitation on the vital fire suppression tasks caused the deaths of the SAF44

Common sense and your duty to your fellow troops say that you have to respond to the SOS cal.

So why hesitate? Is the MILF more important than the lives of the SAF troopers?



News excerpts;
Mamasapano: What ifs and what could have beens
http://www.rappler.com/nation/83563-mamasapano-pnp-saf-afp-senate


Where were the reinforcements?

Emotions ran high as senators prodded officials of the PNP and the AFP, repeatedly asking the AFP why it took so long for them to send reinforcements.

All but one policeman from the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) 55th Special Action Company and 9 from the US-trained 84th Seaborne Company died during the encounter. Scores of fighters from the MILF and several civilians were also casualties.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano asked if the AFP “sacrificed” the 44 SAF troopers to “save” the peace process.

AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang refuted Cayetano’s assertions, insisting that it was simply too difficult for military forces to jump in and help SAF troopers.

The morning of January 25, when the SAF called for help, the military was unsure of the situation on the ground.

Mamasapano Mayor Benzar Ampatuan said even the local government – barangay officials included – did not know what was going on immediately.

"We tried to make the fighting, the encounter stop. But civilians, even local officials were unable to go inside the area because of the fire fight," he told senators.

Catapang said it was not immediately clear to the AFP if the SAF was merely informing them about the firefight against MILF and BIFF fighters, or if they were already asking for help.

“We were just informed [by the PNP] at 5:30 am but there was no request for reinforcement. We were just informed they were conducting operations,” said Catapang, referring to a text message sent by Purisima.

Cayetano, who withdrew his co-authorship of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law following the encounter, asked if the AFP had helicopters on standby in the area. The general said they didn’t and added that the SAF did not request for one.

“Kung nalulunod ako, sasabihin ko pa sa iyo anong klaseng salbabida?” retorted the senator. (If I’m drowning, do I have to specify what kind of help I need?)



Coordination

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, whom Senator Grace Poe described as among the “calmer” voices in the discussion, turned emotional too when the senator asked who he thought should be liable for the bloodshed.

“With due respect to the Armed Forces… Tama, walang coordination. Walang prior coordination, sinasabi time on target. Pero tanong ko naman po, at magalang kong tinatanong ito: Wala ngang coordination pero saklolo lang ang tinawag nito eh. SOS na ito eh,”
said the Interior chief, who is also chairman of the National Police Commission.

(They’re right. There was no coordination, no prior coordination because it was time on target. But my question is, and I am asking respectfully: Sure, there was no coordination but they were asking for help. It was an SOS.)

Roxas was similarly kept out of the loop prior to the operation, and found out only after his office was contacted by a mayor from a neighboring town. It was pointed out though that Roxas as DILG chief is not part of the PNP's chain of command.

The Army was only able to fire white phosphorous in the area at 6:30 pm, more than 12 hours after the first bullets were fired. Military officials, even during the Monday hearing, explained to senators that even the act of firing white phosphorous was no easy task – misfiring could have resulted in the injury of government forces and even civilians.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy officer, came to the AFP’s defense. “It’s not as if the AFP sat on the information,” said the senator, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy.

Trillanes also defended the Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief Major General Edmundo Pangilinan for his decision to “stick to protocol.”

“They’re saying the 6th ID dilly-dallied in sending artillery fire. If you had released artillery fire and hit SAF troopers [by accident], that would be the subject of our inquiry. Artillery is not an exact science,” he added.

PNP SAF commander Police Director Getulio Napeñas and the rest of the SAF command decided they would only inform the military, the MILF and other officials of the operation “time on target,” or only after troops had entered the area.

To one senior police official, the blame should not be placed on the AFP as an institution.

“[Napeñas took the risk. He took it knowing too well that if you don’t coordinate, you can’t get the quick response of the AFP,” he said.

During the hearing, Napeñas explained he relied on Purisima to communicate with the AFP. After a briefing with the President at Bahay Pangarap, Purisima told Napeñas that he would be in charge of informing Catapang, his classmate from the PMA.

Espina, in an attempt to deflate and downplay what’s being perceived to be a rift between the military and police, said the two institutions’ relationship remains “very vibrant and very close.”

“Baka lang hindi nagkaintindihan, some elements on the ground between AFP and PNP. Kung puwede sana, baka puwedeng sinasabing AFP-PNP differences ay ma-refer lang doon,” Espina later told reporters after the hearing.

(Maybe some elements of the AFP and PNP on the ground had misunderstandings. If it’s possible, let’s limit the discussion of AFP and PNP differences to them.)


A new casualty?

But to at least one senator, neither the PNP or the AFP was to blame for the bloodshed in Mamasapano. “Ang ultimate na may kasalanan dito ay ang MILF,” said Cayetano. (Ultimately, the MILF is at fault here.)

The bloodshed in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao has also relaunched heated debates over a peace deal between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Both MILF and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) forces surrounded and overwhelmed elite SAF troopers during the encounter in Mamasapano.

Cayetano during the hearing criticized the MILF for “coddling” Marwan. “We are in trouble because our peace negotiators don’t even know we cannot negotiate with terrorists,” said the senator. (READ: Did MILF coddle Marwan? Police, military chiefs differ)

His presentation drew an impassioned reaction from Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles who took exception to the senator’s statements.

“There is a history. Every armed group in the world that fought long and hard had flirtations with terrorist groups, but since 2003, there was no evidence of institutional links between MILF and terrorism,” she said.

The lone MILF representative during the hearing, the MILF’s chair in the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities Rashid Ladiasan, denied Cayetano’s allegations. (READ: MILF skips Senate hearing on Mamasapano anew)

“We will not sacrifice 17 years. It’s been more than 17 years since we started the peace talks. When I was born under martial law, I already experienced this conflict. I do not want to lose this opportunity,” he said, his voice cracking. (READ: MILF: We will return SAF arms, personal items)

At the House of Representatives, hearings on the proposed law have been put on hold pending a probe into the incident. Aside from Cayetano, Senator Juanito Joseph Victor Ejercito has also since withdrawn his support of the bill.

Another hearing is scheduled on Thursday, February 12, at the Senate. The House of Representatives, meanwhile, is set to begin its own probe on Wednesday, February 11.

The PNP’s Board of Inquiry will release the results of their internal investigation by the end of February. – Rappler.com
Edited by Flipzi, Wed Feb 11, 2015 4:12 pm.
Alfred Alexander L. Marasigan
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THE ARTILLERY SHOCKED THE MILF .... and if it was sustained, the lives of the men could have been saved.


As per one PNP officer;

"kung alam lang nila yung reaction ng MILF nung nagpaputok sila ng artillery."

but somebody simply stopped the barrage.... even after 3 successful WP bombardment.

Why?

and Who?
Edited by Flipzi, Wed Feb 11, 2015 4:16 pm.
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Vital maps and visual representation

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map guide

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This is the area map, with the waypoints used in the operational plan. The waypoints are set between the Vehicular Drop-off Point (VDOP) and the target.

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84th Special Action Company (Seaborne) is the main effort of the operation, it is the unit assigned to enter Marwan’s encampment and arrest Marwan and Usman. The plan called for the deployment of the 55th, 45th, 42nd, and 41st Special Action Companies along the entry and exit route of Seaborne.

The ACP is located in VDOP along Maharlika Highway, and is guarded by the 43rd Special Action Company (43SAC), which is equipped with V-150 armored vehicles. 43SAC serves as a containment force and security for the main supply route (MSR).

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The exit plan called for the support groups to provide cover and security for Seaborne as they withdraw along the planned route.

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Territory of non-govt forces

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Location of govt forces

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http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/430458/news/nation/full-presentation-afp-report-on-timeline-of-mamasapano-clash

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simple illustration of the encounter (credit to photo owners)

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routes taken by 84th SAF who killed Marwan (red line) and route taken by 55-SAF who figured in the fierce gunbattle that resulted to the heavy casualty

Source: Presentation of the Board of Inquiry during the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident, February 9, 2015
Posted on February 9, 2015
http://www.gov.ph/2015/02/09/presentation-board-of-inquiry-senate-hearing-mamasapano-february-9-2015/
Edited by Flipzi, Thu Feb 12, 2015 3:35 pm.
Alfred Alexander L. Marasigan
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Marwan and Usman's location

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Marwan and Usman's location in a bigger map

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close up on Marwan (M1) and Basit Usman (BU)
Source http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a5/flipzi/Mamasapano-Report-9Feb2015-0752am_Keynote9016_zps3e678336.jpg

Edited by Flipzi, Wed Feb 11, 2015 4:36 pm.
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Encounter location involving 55th SAC

Interactive Map via Google
https://www.google.com.ph/maps/@6.9254489,124.5177696,1547m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

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Source http://www.gov.ph/2015/02/09/presentation-board-of-inquiry-senate-hearing-mamasapano-february-9-2015/

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zooming in

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snapshot from GMA news video
the lower portion shows the area where the 55 SAC was positioned

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the other side

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No way out in Mamasapano. An aerial shot taken by a drone on Monday, February 9, shows the spot where 35 PNP-SAF commandos fought to the last man on January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The encounter led to their gruesome end at the hands of their MILF and BIFF attackers. Nine other SAF commandos were killed in adjacent fields after encountering heavily armed rebel groups. Raffy Tima/GMA News

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snapshot from GMA news video

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snapshot from GMA news video

VIDEO 1: How the area looks like

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgxVdeeo3UE#t=154

VIDEO 2: Glimpse of the area

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQGZXvHU6e4

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This photo is the actual location based on the photos released by the govt.

The image shown in the satellite photo is nonetheless not the updated file or does not represent the actual vegetation and structures that exist today. This photo is probably based on last year's capture.

The water level as shown in this photo is also higher compared to the photos shown in the TV news video. Probably, this image was captured during the rainy season.
Edited by Flipzi, Thu Feb 12, 2015 3:12 pm.
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Location of the encounter site where the 55th SAC was engaged in a heavy firefight with the combined elements of MILF, BIFF and private armed groups (PAG)

REASONABLE ACTIONS, FAULTS AND LESSONS


Is killing Marwan at that time necessary?

YES. Because Marwan have killed so many already. He never stayed long in a single location and he was able to slip away several times already because he gets warned by those coddling him and some corrupt men in the gov't whenever an operation is launched. More than that, he is to blame for much of the terror attacks in Mindanao. The longer he lives the more future bombers he makes and more innocent people will die.

Was the covert operations necessary?

YES. Because past operations failed since Marwan had connections with some corrupt gov't elements and the MILF has been protecting Marwan, Usman and other terrorists. Also, it is the normal practice when conducting operations against high value targets (HVT). A simple chit-chat among the AFP troops about the ops or the unusual troop movement itself maybe interpreted by the enemy's intel guys around, which will surely ruin the entire operation.

Was the SAF capable?

YES. In fact they were able to penetrate the area undetected and killed Marwan despite the odds. The SAF is a well-trained commando force.

Was the President liable on the imperfect operational plan?
NO. The president only gives the orders while the generals do the planning.

As I see it, the plan was good enough, the entry and escape routes were guarded by several SAF companies who were positioned along the route of the assault unit, which was the 84th SAF. The entire force was composed of around 400 SAF Commandos backed up by V150 armored personnel carriers (APC), armed with 50-caliber machineguns.

The problem started when the 55th SAF, was sandwiched by heavy enemy fire from both sides, and without any good cover, which lasted for long hours. Worse, they ran out of bullets already.

Let's review the timeline;

At 4:15AM, the SAF gave the update that Marwan had been successfully neutralized by SAF. Withdrawal followed right after.

At 5:06AM SAF Commander Getulio Napenas advised 6th Infantry Division Chief Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan about the operation.

At 5:28AM, this effort was followed up with a call by another SAF officer, Sr. Supt. Roland dela Rosa to 6ID.

At 5:37AM, SAF chief advised BGen. Manolito Orense, head of GPH-AHJAG, about the operation.

At 5:42AM, SAF chief advised BGen. Orense about their withdrawal and sought assistance.

At 5:47AM , BGen Orense called 601st Brigade chief Col. Melquiades Feliciano, to negotiaite with MILF counterparts and stop firing and assists withdrawing SAF instead. Minutes later, Orense also asked Napenas to coordinate with Feliciano to help them work with MILF.

At 6:00AM, 6ID chief asks WestMinCom chief, Lt. Gen. Restico Guerrero, if he was aware.

At 6:04AM, PNP OIC Gen. Leonardo Espina calls WestMinCom chief to provide assistance to SAF. Guerrero asked 6ID chief to comply.

At 6:05 and 6:06, Allan Purisima texted WestMinCom to call him.

At 6:09AM, WestMinCom calls Purisima and the latter asked the former to help SAF.

At 6:18AM, coordinates given to 6ID chief.

At 6:50AM, 1st Mechanized Brigade chief Col. Gener del Rosario texted 6ID chief about the wounded and the request for extraction.

At 7:30AM after communications, deployment or vehicles and soldiers starts.

After this, the whole govt team simply relied on GRP-MILF group to stop the fighting. Shooting ended at 4PM with sporadic fighting lasting until the following morning.

Outcome resulted to 44 casualties in SAF. Many wounded.


WHY THE ARTILLERY FAILED TO SAVE THE 55th SAF?

This is mainly because the SAF failed to provide the needed 'set of grid locations' to allow artillery battalion to direct fire safely. Artillery fire was made at around 5PM to save another group of SAF in another location. The SAF in fact failed to give the needed set of grid locations again but the artillery battalion risked hitting them by firing 3 test shots using White Phosporous rounds. The Artillery battalion probably didn't want a repeat of what happened to the members of the 55th SAF. Surprisingly, the attackers got scared and scampered away. This saved the SAF.


WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO SAVE THE SAF

The military is probably well aware of the terrain in the area and sending Armored vehicles may not be the best approach in reinforcing the SAF. Sending troops may be too late due to terrain.

Also, the coordinates have been given, telling the location of the SAF troops. Even if the grid locations given failed to include the location of the enemy, the AFP was made aware of the SAF's location due to that grid location.

The best approach would have been to send helicopter gunships and use a telescope to locate enemy formations based on the position of SAF and then fire suppression shots to the enemy locations.

Perhaps, forming a circle around the SAF's location, with a 100-meter radius and then rain the edges with machinegun fires to disorient or discourage the enemy, like what happened to enemy when the artillery simply fired non-lethal rounds.

Another strategy is to do persuasion flights using the SF260, while confirming enemy locations. Once the enemy location has been confirmed, the SF260 can then unleash its load of rockets.

Also, the MD520 should have been sent to do persuasion flights too while confirming the grid locations. Once the grid location is confirmed, the chopper can unleash the rockets and strafe the enemy locations with 50 caliber rounds.

The gov't cannot simply say there's no aircraft available. UH-1H are scattered around Western Mindanao. Bases include 6ID base in Awang, Maguindanao and the Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City.

They AFP cannot simply say they will risk the choppers getting hit since it's always been the case anyway.

But these flights did not happen.

If you ask why, only the AFP can give us the answer.


LESSONS LEARNED

The problem is mainly due to the lack of capacity (tools/gadgets) of the SAF to communicate with the command center. They simply relied on cellphones. This is bad. They must now consider GPS device, a satellite phone or tactical radio that can secure communication between troops and the command center.

Also, they need to know how to get the coordinates and how to position themselves well enough to allow the air force units to easily rain the enemy around them with machinegun fires.

Probably, Smoke Grenades must be included to help the air force and even other troops to know their location.

Foremost is the INTENTION of the AFP to provide assistance whether there's coordination or not.

Remember that, based on records, when a community is attacked by lawless elements, the military can immediately respond with troops and the air support.

What happened in Mamasapano is not the usual response of the AFP in other encounters.

In short, the AFP must always be ready to provide support, even if there's no proper coordination. The AFP must always give priority to rescuing fellow gov't troops. All the rest of the concerns such as the peace deal with MILF comes second. You can revive a peace deal anyway but not the precious lives.


WHO'S TO BLAME?

Since, it is the BIFF who have been coddling Marwan and Usman, the BIFF is liable for not just the deaths of the SAF 44 but also deaths of many civilians who got killed by several car bombs, IED attacks on buses and commercial establishments. Therefore, the families of these civilians and the SAF44 can only get the justice they deserved by hitting hard on BIFF now.

The MILF on other hand was liable too since it allowed the 2 bombers to stay at BIFF's zone. It is possible that MILF and BIFF agreed to letting the 2 stay at BIFF zone to enable MILF to 'technically' say that they were not coddling the 2. In reality, the 2 HVTs can easily move in and out of the 2 zones. Perhaps, the MILF guys simply moved into BIFF zone when there's a technical training on bomb-making conducted by the two. The MILF is also liable for not telling the AFP or the media that the two were staying in that area.

Moreover, the GRP-MILF ceasefire committee failed if not deliberately bungled the negotiation to save the SAF men. They could have stopped their men earlier but the MILF who confronted the SAF, under 105th Base Commands deliberately used the opportunity to massacre the SAF being outgunned and outnumbered for a long period and under unfavorable location on the part of the SAF. They only stopped when all the SAF troopers were already dead.

Reviewing the timeline, at 5:37AM, SAF chief advised BGen. Manolito Orense, head of GPH-AHJAG, about the operation. MILF's AHJAG head, Atty. Abdul Dataya was called at 6:48AM but phone just kept on ringing. At 7:27, 6ID asked if the communication succeeded but GRP side said they couldn't make the connection.

At 7:30, GPH-CCCH called up Mr. William Hovland of the International Monitoring Committee to help out. The IMT started forming joint team or JCCT.

At 7:31AM, MILF-AHJAG finally called back at GPH.

At 8:20AM, military vehicles and troops deployed to area.

At 9:00AM, joint ceasefire team was assembled at Cotabato City. At 9:30AM GRP and MILF AHJAG was invited by 6ID to join the battle staff.

At 10:54AM ceasefire committee led by Butcher Malang proceeded to area to effect ceasefire. At 11:45AM team held a meeting with 105th's Ustadz Goma and 118th's Wahid Tundok, Mayor Ampatuan and other personalities.

Ceasefire team having a hard time stopping the fight. At 4PM the fighting stopped. Sporadic fighting ensued in other areas until the next morning.

Remember that the 55th SAF was engaged at 5AM and the sustained engagement exhausted their ammos already. The fighting simply stopped because all the 55th SAF were already dead.

The MILF's 105th failed to stop the fighting even if its commander gave the order, it is impossible to say it's hard to communicate because as per records, it is usual that their men on the ground have tactical radios. So, it is possible that the 105th deliberately took the opportunity to massacre the SAF knowing they have the advantage.

The MILF-AHJAG is also to blame since the assault on Marwan started at 4:00AM. This incident and fighting at 5AM would have alerted the MILF, including AHJAG.

But the MILF-AHJAG might have deliberately rejected calls to let the MILF takes in revenge on the SAF who killed Marwan.

In all, it seems like there was a deliberate attempt to kill the SAF in retaliation for Marwan's death or to simply pain the SAF and the gov't.

On the other hand, the gov't is also to blame since it relied on a long and complicated process of joint ceasefire team instead of allowing the AFP/PNP protect their men. The AHJAG was informed at 5:37AM and but MILF was able to stop its men at 4PM, which is 10 hours later. The 55th SAF was engaged at 5:00AM, 10 hours or even 5 hours would render them too vulnerable already due to ammo exhaustion. So, why choose the long process of the ceasefire when you can use the AFP/PNP's full might to secure the exit and while using the joint ceasefire team to stop the MILF from moving in further?

What should have been done is to allow the AFP/PNP use their full might, which includes the air support, to create a barrier between the gov't troops and the MILF and allow the SAF to maneuver and complete the exit plan or to allow the AFP/PNP to extricate.

Unfortunately, the gov't made the wrong decision of relying solely on the efforts of the joint ceasefire team, which obviously failed. It saved none, since the other SAF team was saved by 3 artillery fires that sent the MILF scampering away.

SAF Commander also is partly to blame for disregarding the importance of the role of PNP Chief or OIC, who was Gen. Leonardo Espina. Also, Gen. Purisima was suspended. Therefore, SAF commander must respect the powers of Espina since if anything goes wrong it will be Espina and Roxas who will be saving him and his men and not Purisima. They also failed to tell the President and DILG since the battleground is complicated due to proximity to MILF bases, which could ignite a bigger battle between SAF and the MILF when the two groups cross path. This is not a normal operation because the terrain is complicated by the presence of a bigger force, and whom the PH govt is trying to forge a peace deal with. In short, the SAF failed to coordinate it well.


CONCLUSION

What the SAF did was laudable. A lot of precious lives were lost but at least they were able to stop the reign of terror of the most wanted terrorist in Southeast Asia. Those 44 lives actually saved 44,000 souls or even more.

I salute the SAF for pursuing the mission despite the great risk.

As for the AFP, again, the response was good enough but fell short of being laudable since they could have done better but they chose not to do it for reasons only them can answer.

I am not blaming the AFP though because I am fully aware of the fact that their decisions are limited by what the civilian gov't wants them to do.

Another big concern is the AFP modernization as well as that of the PNP. Drones, guided munitions, attack helicopters as well as modern communication equipment will do a lot to secure the lives of our soldiers.


Reference;

Presentation of the Board of Inquiry during the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident, February 9, 2015
http://www.gov.ph/2015/02/09/presentation-board-of-inquiry-senate-hearing-mamasapano-february-9-2015/

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The area where the 55th SAF troopers were pinned down. (GMA news video snapshot)

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This is the other side of the river. The lower portion shows the SAF location (GMA news video snapshot)
Edited by Flipzi, Thu Feb 12, 2015 5:25 pm.
Alfred Alexander L. Marasigan
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NAKAKAPANGHINAYANG LANG.

We could have saved those guys, but someone, who loves the peace deal more than his own men, denied them the needed reinforcement.

Sabi nga, yung peace deal pwede marevive pero yung buhay ay hindi.

Posted Image

Salute to the heroic SAF44 and those who risked their lives in this operation.
Edited by Flipzi, Thu Feb 12, 2015 12:09 am.
Alfred Alexander L. Marasigan
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WHO'S TO BLAME?

Since, it is the BIFF who have been coddling Marwan and Usman, the BIFF is liable for not just the deaths of the SAF 44 but also deaths of many civilians who got killed by several car bombs, IED attacks on buses and commercial establishments. Therefore, the families of these civilians and the SAF44 can only get the justice they deserved by hitting hard on BIFF now.

The MILF on other hand was liable too since it allowed the 2 bombers to stay at BIFF's zone. It is possible that MILF and BIFF agreed to letting the 2 stay at BIFF zone to enable MILF to 'technically' say that they were not coddling the 2. In reality, the 2 HVTs can easily move in and out of the 2 zones. Perhaps, the MILF guys simply moved into BIFF zone when there's a technical training on bomb-making conducted by the two. The MILF is also liable for not telling the AFP or the media that the two were staying in that area.

Moreover, the GRP-MILF ceasefire committee failed if not deliberately bungled the negotiation to save the SAF men. They could have stopped their men earlier but the MILF who confronted the SAF, under 105th Base Commands deliberately used the opportunity to massacre the SAF being outgunned and outnumbered for a long period and under unfavorable location on the part of the SAF. They only stopped when all the SAF troopers were already dead.

Reviewing the timeline, at 5:37AM, SAF chief advised BGen. Manolito Orense, head of GPH-AHJAG, about the operation. MILF's AHJAG head, Atty. Abdul Dataya was called at 6:48AM but phone just kept on ringing. At 7:27, 6ID asked if the communication succeeded but GRP side said they couldn't make the connection.

At 7:30, GPH-CCCH called up Mr. William Hovland of the International Monitoring Committee to help out. The IMT started forming joint team or JCCT.

At 7:31AM, MILF-AHJAG finally called back at GPH.

At 8:20AM, military vehicles and troops deployed to area.

At 9:00AM, joint ceasefire team was assembled at Cotabato City. At 9:30AM GRP and MILF AHJAG was invited by 6ID to join the battle staff.

At 10:54AM ceasefire committee led by Butcher Malang proceeded to area to effect ceasefire. At 11:45AM team held a meeting with 105th's Ustadz Goma and 118th's Wahid Tundok, Mayor Ampatuan and other personalities.

Ceasefire team having a hard time stopping the fight. At 4PM the fighting stopped. Sporadic fighting ensued in other areas until the next morning.

Remember that the 55th SAF was engaged at 5AM and the sustained engagement exhausted their ammos already. The fighting simply stopped because all the 55th SAF were already dead.

The MILF's 105th failed to stop the fighting even if its commander gave the order, it is impossible to say it's hard to communicate because as per records, it is usual that their men on the ground have tactical radios. So, it is possible that the 105th deliberately took the opportunity to massacre the SAF knowing they have the advantage.

The MILF-AHJAG is also to blame since the assault on Marwan started at 4:00AM. This incident and fighting at 5AM would have alerted the MILF, including AHJAG.

But the MILF-AHJAG might have deliberately rejected calls to let the MILF takes revenge on the SAF who killed Marwan.

In all, it seems like there was a deliberate attempt to kill the SAF in retaliation for Marwan's death or to simply pain the SAF and the gov't.

On the other hand, the gov't is also to blame since it relied on a long and complicated process of joint ceasefire team instead of allowing the AFP/PNP protect their men. The AHJAG was informed at 5:37AM and but MILF was able to stop its men at 4PM, which is 10 hours later. The 55th SAF was engaged at 5:00AM, 10 hours or even 5 hours would render them too vulnerable already due to ammo exhaustion. So, why choose the long process of the ceasefire when you can use the AFP/PNP's full might to secure the exit and while using the joint ceasefire team to stop the MILF from moving in further?

What should have been done is to allow the AFP/PNP use their full might, which includes the air support, to create a barrier between the gov't troops and the MILF and allow the SAF to maneuver and complete the exit plan or to allow the AFP/PNP to extricate.

Unfortunately, the gov't made the wrong decision of relying solely on the efforts of the joint ceasefire team, which obviously failed. It saved none, since the other SAF team was saved by 3 artillery fires that sent the MILF scampering away.

SAF Commander also is partly to blame for disregarding the importance of the role of PNP Chief or OIC, who was Gen. Leonardo Espina. Also, Gen. Purisima was suspended. Therefore, SAF commander must respect the powers of Espina since if anything goes wrong it will be Espina and Roxas who will be saving him and his men and not Purisima. They also failed to tell the President and DILG since the battleground is complicated due to proximity to MILF bases, which could ignite a bigger battle between SAF and the MILF when the two groups cross path. This is not a normal operation because the terrain is complicated by the presence of a bigger force, and whom the PH govt is trying to forge a peace deal with. In short, the SAF failed to coordinate it well.
Edited by Flipzi, Thu Mar 5, 2015 1:39 am.
Alfred Alexander L. Marasigan
Manila, Philippines
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Flipzi
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Story about this photo; http://www.rappler.com/nation/83724-miriam-santiago-purisima-senate-mamasapano?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral

It was reported earlier that SAF Commander Getulio Napenas was told by Gen. Allan Purisima, the suspended PNP Chief, not to tell Gen. Espina, the PNP OIC, and DILF chief Mar Roxas about the operation.

This is not right, since Oplan Wolverine is a complicated operation and risked endangering the peace process between the GRP and the MILF.

Napenas should have informed Gen. Espina so the latter could easily ask for support and coordinate with concerned entities faster. If DILG Sec. was made aware, he could have asked PNoy immediately to command the AFP to send the needed support such as the air assets.

Also, with this strategy, PNoy, DILG Sec, SAF and Espina could have conducted a better planning, like what contingency to consider .... such as allowing the AFP to bomb MILF positions to allow the SAF to complete the exit plan.

This lack of coordination simply led to the longer time needed to coordinate with different groups just to save the SAF men.

In another angle, if PNoy was indeed aware of it all, his decision to cancel the air support caused the deaths of the SAF44.
Edited by Flipzi, Thu Feb 12, 2015 4:56 pm.
Alfred Alexander L. Marasigan
Manila, Philippines
getflipzi@yahoo.com

http://z6.invisionfree.com/flipzi

" Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them!"

" People don't care what we know until they know we care."
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