MANILA – Ombudsman Samuel Martires withdrew the charges against former president Benigno Aquino III in connection with Mamasapano, Maguindanao incident, which was filed by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.
Martires recalled the violation of anti-graft laws and usurpation charges that Morales filed against Aquino on the deaths of 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF) in 2015.
Martirez said there was no sufficient ground and evidence to charge Aquino for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Usurpation of Official Functions under the Revised Penal Code.
He added that his decision was after reviewing previous Ombudsman Resolutions, which dismissed the complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide against Aquino, former PNP chief Alan Purisima and former SAF chief Getulio Napeñas.
“Wherefore, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court that the People of the Philippines be allowed to withdraw the information in criminal cases against accused Aquino and thereafter the same be considered dismissed,” Martires said.
“This is without prejudice to the filing of appropriate charges against accused after the conduct of preliminary investigation,” added Martires as he clarified that the former president is not yet off the hook.
The 44 PNP-SAF commandos were killed by a combined force of Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and members of other rebel groups in an operation to get terrorist Zulkifli bin Abdul Hir alias Marwan.
Aquino was charged as he allegedly allowed Purisima to take part in the planning of the operation even if he was suspended by then-Ombudsman Morales over his alleged involvement in an anomalous government contract with courier firm Werfast./PN
