‘Nothing wrong with US role’
Senator: Gov’t forces need intel reports from their foreign counterparts to get vital information
Solon wants US Ambassador Philip Goldberg to appear in today’s congressional hearing to shed more light on Washington’s alleged involvement in the operation
SEN. Antonio Trillanes IV said yesterday there was nothing wrong if the United States was involved in the Jan. 25 police operation to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
“I don’t see anything wrong with that,” said Trillanes.
Trillanes said government forces should expect intelligence reports from their foreign counterparts because the Philippines is “not capable” of getting information regarding Marwan’s presence in Mamasapano.
Trillanes, a former soldier, said the Army is used to seek assistance from the US that could help to accomplish its mission.
“As far as the intelligence information or intelligence-sharing is concerned, that should be expected. That’s their value. They can provide that and we need that,” he said.
Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon asked House committee on public order and safety chairman Jeffrey Ferrer to summon US Ambassador Philip Goldberg in today’s congressional hearing to shed more light on Washington’s alleged involvement in the operation.
“It is apparent that the US played a pivotal role in this botched operations. However, I believe that we will not get any new compelling information in tomorrow’s (Tuesday) congressional hearing if we will talk to the same PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) officials,” he said.
Presidential Communications Chief Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a text message that it would be better for the Senate and the House to include the allegation in their investigation.
“It’s better that Congress would hear the allegations and for those who gave statements to media to share what they knew,” he said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), for its part, said it is looking into the possible involvement of the American military.
Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose also admitted there is a “regular intelsharing” between the Philippines and the United States.
He clarified that the US presence in the aftermath of the Mamasapano clash was upon the request of the Philippines for the extrication of casualties.
He denied that the US forces were in Mamasapano for the actual combat because “they are not allowed to do so.”
The US Embassy had already denied that there were American casualties during the clash after reports indicated that an American military personnel were seen fighting against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).