An Operation Gone Wrong

The killing of more than 40 elite policemen of the Special Action Force (SAF) must again give us lessons.

Under existing rules, there must be “prior coordination” with the MILF before the AFP or the PNP shall enter MILF territories to flush out terrorists and plain criminals. The purpose is to avoid “mis- encounters” since AFP and MILF’s BIAF are already in a truce honeymoon.

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AVOIDING A LEAK—The problem is: “prior coordination” means informing the MILF in advance of sensitive information on an impending operations. Obviously, this has become a sure way of forewarning the bad guys! We all know that “leaks” are anathema to successful operations. This happened several times in the past and the targets all got away! The SAF operations, I think, took a calculated risk. The policemen were on a tactical mode but the strategic matter of “coordination” I am certain, was not in their radar screen but in another level. Unfortunately, it blew on their faces!

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WHO OKAYED OPERATIONS?—It is very clear that there was really no intention to “coordinate”. A sensitive operation of that magnitude and with such high value targets cannot be mounted unless a higher authority authorized it. The search for accountability must reach those responsible for this tragic fiasco. Someone must suffer the consequence. Sacking the SAF chief smells to me like getting a fall guy to take a bullet for someone higher. Let’s see what’s next.

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PESTERING QUESTIONS—There is basis to claim that some MILF elements are in cahoots with some terrorists. They provide them sanctuary and protection. This does not bode well for the Bangsamoro agreement.

The pestering question now is: If government gets a wallop now in its anti terrorist campaign at a time when the BBL is not yet approved, how much more if the territory is totally entrenched and under the total control of the MILF which, by the way, did not only prove to be incapable of clearing their areas of the so-called bad guys but worst, fought and slaughtered even government forces who were running after wanted terrorists?

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DON’T SQUANDER—The peace process has been suddenly jeopardized and shattered. There is a need to pick up the pieces now. One way to regain the eroded trust of the public is for the MILF to start handing over the bad guys long wanted by government. Or stand down or stay aside so the government forces can start flushing out their targets in the MILF controlled areas.

Whatever it takes, we must not squander the gains of the peace process.