Overview
On January 24-25, 2015, 390 Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) commandos executed Oplan Exodus to capture terrorists Marwan and Usman in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The mission resulted in the death of Marwan, but led to a deadly confrontation leaving 44 SAF commandos and numerous others dead, causing national outrage and controversy.
Background and Mission Objectives
- Oplan Exodus aimed to capture or neutralize terrorists Zulkifli Bin Hir (Marwan) and Abdul Basit Usman.
- Marwan was a bomb-making expert and among the FBI's most wanted.
- Previous nine attempts to capture Marwan since 2010 had failed.
Operation Plan and Execution
- 390 SAF commandos divided into Special Action Companies (SAC) with defined roles: Seaborne (84th SAC) to capture targets, 55th SAC as blocking force, remaining SACs as support.
- The operation began at 11 p.m. on January 24, 2015.
- Difficult terrain and strong river currents caused delays and forced route changes.
Engagement and Aftermath
- Seaborne neutralized Marwan, confirming with a text message ("Mike one, bingo"), but Usman escaped.
- Gunfire alerted local armed groups (MILF, BIFF, private armed groups), leading to SAF units being surrounded and ambushed.
- Calls for reinforcements were delayed due to communication and command issues.
- Army reinforcements arrived but faced difficulty locating and extracting SAF units.
Command and Communication Issues
- SAF Director Napeñas reported to the Army, but initial messages lacked a reinforcements request.
- Former PNP Chief Purisima, suspended at the time, was still allowed by President Aquino III to play a key role.
- Deputy Director General Espina, who had proper authority, was excluded until late in the operation.
- Blame and accountability became contentious among officials post-incident.
Investigations and Controversy
- Questions raised about the MILF’s knowledge or possible involvement with terrorists.
- MILF denied harboring Marwan, claiming he was in BIFF territory; lost 17 members and 3 civilians during the incident.
- Autopsy reports suggested some commandos were executed at close range.
- Government and MILF conducted separate investigations, both with differing accounts.
- The Senate and Commission on Human Rights disagreed on whether to label the event a massacre.
Legacy
- The incident became a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of the "Fallen 44".
- Widespread public outrage, unresolved questions about accountability, and debate over justice continue.