Aquino: SAF killed Marwan
Photos show SAF man cut one of Marwan’s fingers
PRESIDENT Benigno C. Aquino III ended yesterday speculations as to who really killed suspected terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Marwan, during an operation in Maguindanao early this year.
Aquino said members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were the ones who killed Marwan and they were the ones who cut his finger during the anti-terrorism operation in Mamasapano town on Jan. 25.
“For quite some time now, alternative narratives about the Mamasapano encounter have been circulating. It has even come out in the media: as the story goes, it was not our Special Action Force who killed Marwan. It was allegedly one of Marwan’s companions who killed him— and also cut off his finger and brought it to the SAF,” he said in a televised press conference held in Malacañang.
These alternative narratives prompted him to order further investigation into the incident where 44 SAF commandos were also killed.
Aquino presented photographs of Marwan and how one of his fingers was cut off by a SAF member.
“Let us recall: What does the alternative narrative say? It was posited that one of Marwan’s companions killed him—the same one who cut off his finger and gave it to the SAF. But it is clear from the presentation today: the SAF were there; we can no longer doubt that it was the SAF who took Marwan’s finger. This also means: All the other accounts about the alternative narrative are baseless, and consequently have no relevance,” he said.
The President also dismissed reports that there was a foreigner who was killed and involved in the operation.
He said the Cybercrime Division of the National Bureau of Investigation analyzed the SD cards that contained the pictures.
“The report, and I quote: ‘Our forensic examiners concluded that the pictures are authentic and unaltered’,” he said.
“We must also remember: the bounty imposed on Marwan, whether in or outside our country, was enormous. It should not come as a surprise that there are many who hope to obtain the reward, and are trying to muddle the discussions about the matter. Our investigation has allowed us to gain clarity on the matter,” he added.
The President said 90 individuals will be charged in relation to the death of the SAF commandos.
He assured that they will face fair and thorough procedures.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the 90 people to be charged with complex crime of direct assault and separate case of theft include 26 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, 12 bandits belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and 52 from the private armed groups.
The complaints would be filed on Monday before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice.