VOL. XXIX NO. 349 3 Sections 32 Pages P18 WEDNESDay : JaNUaRy 27, 2016 www.thestandard.com.ph editorial@thestandard.com.ph
Abaya’s men face new raps over MRT
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‘PAPeR TRAil will deTeRMine guilT’ By Francisco tuyay, Maricel V. cruz and Macon ramos-araneta
A FORMER police intelligence director urged the Senate to subpoena all the documents related to Operation Exodus, the covert operation that led to the deaths of 44 police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year, to determine President Benigno Aquino III’s culpability in the debacle.
Retired police Chief Supt. Rodolfo Mendoza, president of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, issued the call one day before the Senate reopens its hearings on the Mamasapano massacre “It is proper to determine… who directly approved the project and funding,” Mendoza said, adding that these documents could no longer be kept secret on the basis
of national security and should be declassified. In Mamasapano last year, the SAF contingent hunting two highprofile terrorists were pinned down and slaughtered by Muslim rebels, including fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front with which the government is in peace talks. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Central Mindanao did not respond to the comman-
dos’ pleas for artillery support and assistance. In his Senate testimony last year, former SAF director Getulio Napeñas said he and former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima had briefed the President on Oplan Exodus. The Senate committee on public order headed by Senator Grace Poe had found the President to be “ultimately responsible” for the Next page
Five-day visit. President Benigno Aquino III welcomes Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko during their arrival for a five-day visit. Inset shows the emperor and empress acknowledging the well-wishers as they prepare to disembark from their plane. Malacañang Photo Bureau and aFP
Emperor Akihito arrives for Manila visit Wednesday morning, are here to mark By Sandy araneta the 60th anniversary of the normaliand Maricel V. cruz zation of diplomatic relations between JAPANESE Emperor Akihito and Em- Japan and the Philippines, the Palace press Michiko arrived in the country said. Tuesday afternoon for a five-day state “The Philippines is deeply honored visit, the first to Southeast Asia by a to welcome their Imperial Majesties, reigning Japanese royal. the emperor and empress of Japan on The royal couple, who are scheduled the occasion of their state visit. Their to meet President Benigno Aquino III visit underscores the abiding friend-
ship between the Japanese and Filipino people. As our country charts the path that leads to sustainable, inclusive growth we are fortunate that Japan is our steadfast partner and ally,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a statement Tuesday. The Palace also acknowledged Japan as the largest contributor of official Next page
Sereno weighs in on Poe’s charges
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