WATCH: Timeline of the Mamasapano case
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file charges against former Philippine National Police Chief (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima and former PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) Director Getulio Napeñas, following the Mamasapano encounter last January 25, 2015, which killed 44 SAF commandos.
The two police officials are facing charges for usurpation and violation of Section 3(a) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Sandiganbayan, said its statement issued on Tuesday (April 5).
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Based on the documents and evidence reviewed by the panel of investigators, Purisima, who was on preventive suspension, coordinated a top-level meeting with officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including Napeñas, relative to Oplan Exodus.
Based on the complaints filed by the Field Investigation Office, Purisima was charged for usurping official functions and for violating the chain of command when he actively participated in the mission planning and execution of Oplan Exodus despite the Ombudsman’s preventive suspension order.
Napeñas, meanwhile, was considered as Purisima’s cohort for taking orders from a suspended PNP chief, without the knowledge and approval of OIC-PNP Leonardo Espina.
Purisima and Napeñas were also found liable for Grave Misconduct, Gross Neglect of Duty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service.
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The complaints against PNP officials Fernando Mendez Jr., Noli Taliño, Richard Dela Rosa, Edgar Monsalve, Abraham Abayari, Raymund Agustin Train, Michael John Mangahis, Rey Ariño, and Recaredo Marasigan were dismissed.
