Summary
Highlights
On January 24, 2015, around 390 SAF commandos embarked on a classified mission called OPLAN EXODUS. The SAF is an elite unit of the Philippine National Police, highly trained for sensitive operations. Their objective was to infiltrate the marshlands of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, to capture two of the most wanted terrorists: Abdul Basit Usman and Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Marwan, an FBI Most Wanted Terrorist known for bomb making. Previous attempts to capture Marwan dating back to 2010 had been unsuccessful.
The SAF commandos were divided into Special Action Companies (SACs). The 84th SAC (Seaborne), consisting of 41 commandos, was tasked with capturing Marwan and Usman. The 55th SAC, with 36 commandos, was to serve as a blocking force and primary support. Over 300 additional SAF commandos formed support groups. However, the mission faced significant challenges due to unfamiliar terrain, including cornfields and deep rivers. The area was also inhabited by armed groups, primarily the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). The MILF was engaged in peace talks with the government, and they were not informed of the operation, which was a critical oversight.
OPLAN EXODUS commenced around 11 PM on January 24. The Seaborne team advanced but faced delays due to unfamiliar terrain and strong river currents, causing a delay in the 55th SAC and support groups. Despite improvised traps, they reached Marwan's hut. Abdul Basit Usman managed to escape, but Marwan was neutralized. The SAF commandos secured a DNA sample and sent a text message, 'Mike one, bingo,' confirming the target was down. However, the gunshots alerted armed groups in the area.
As Seaborne tried to rendezvous with the 55th SAC, they found themselves surrounded. The delayed 55th SAC, navigating through cornfields, also encountered armed men, forming a defensive perimeter. By dawn, 77 SAF commandos were surrounded by over 1,000 members of the MILF, BIFF, and other Private Armed Groups. Both Seaborne and the 55th SAC continuously called for reinforcements. SAF Director Getulio Napeñas Jr. informed the Army's 6th Infantry Division, but the initial message lacked a clear request for reinforcements. Major General Pangilinan eventually sent a reinforcement team and notified the MILF of the situation.
Around 8:30 AM, the army arrived, finding remaining SAF commandos on the highway. They struggled to get coordinates for the 55th SAC and Seaborne, who were on a hill surrounded by the MILF. AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Catapang ordered his men not to engage the MILF to avoid endangering peace talks. The army proceeded to extract the SAF but came under fire, forcing them to retaliate. The firefight continued for hours until 5:30 PM, when the army deployed white phosphorus for cover and marking for artillery. The fighting stopped around 6 PM, and the MILF announced their withdrawal.
Post-incident investigations revealed critical issues. Former President Benigno Aquino III allegedly allowed suspended PNP Chief Alan Purisima to control the operation, despite his suspension for a graft case, bypassing Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina. This led to a blame game among officials. Questions arose about the MILF's alleged role in harboring terrorists, which they denied, claiming Marwan was in BIFF territory. Autopsy reports showed most SAF members died from fatal headshots, suggesting close-range killings, confirmed by a video of a commando's brutal death. The MILF's investigation claimed 17 of their members and 3 civilians died, stating they were unaware of the operation and fired in self-defense, unable to identify the SAF commandos. This led to debates over whether it was a mis-encounter or a massacre.
The tragic events of January 25, 2015, and the sacrifice of the 'Fallen 44' (the SAF commandos who died) will not be forgotten. The incident left many questions unanswered regarding fault, blame, and justice, but the bravery and sacrifice of the commandos remain a lasting memory for Filipinos.