Aquino to appear before court

Rejecting the appeal of the former president Benigno Aquino III, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has reaffirmed her order to file charges against the ex-president in connection to the Mamasapano operation which led to the massacre of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos in Maguindanao last 2015.

Philippine National Police Chief Alan Purisima and former PNP-Special Action Force director Getulio Napeñas Jr.

were also issued charges.

The 26-page decision of the ombudsman stated that there was a probable cause to charge Aquino with usurpation of authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code and violation of Section 3 (a) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for authorizing Purisima to render his service in Oplan Exodus amid suspension.

Furthermore, the ombudsman clarified that what Aquino, Purisima and Napeñas did were not the “proximate legal cause” of the death of the 44 SAF commandos but rather an “intentional act of shooting by the hostile forces.

”

According to Aquino’s spokesperson, Abigail Valte, the former president has already spoken with his legal team and is now planning his next move in the case.

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 09/ 15 / 17)