Suara Bangsamoro and Liga ng Kabataang Moro hold a rally Thursday, February 5, 2015 in front of the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao province in southern Philippines to protest against US military involvement in police operation that left 68 people dead. (Photos courtesy of Kilab Multimedia)
MAGUINDANAO – Multi-sectoral group Suara Bangsamoro and student activists held a rally in front of an army base in southern Philippines and protesting the alleged involvement of US troops in a bungled operation that left 44 Filipino commandos dead in Maguindanao province.
The secret mission also killed Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, who was wanted by both US and Philippine authorities.
The Suara Bangsamoro and Liga ng Kabataang Moro accused the military of cuddling US troops suspected of leading the botched operation mounted by Special Action Force commandos in the village of Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town on January 25.
Amirah Lidasan, National President of Suara Bangsamoro, said US troops must be held accountable and punished for reportedly leading the failed police operation that also killed 17 MILF members, including 7 civilians.
Citing reports from civilians, Lidasan said at least 4 US soldiers were spotted in Mamasapano town and believed to be part of the SAF operation. “The presence of US forces in Maguindanao poses many possible threats to the community that could endanger many civilians,” Lidasan said.
She said the US military also regularly flies drones in Maguindanao and other parts of the Muslim autonomous region and violates the country’s sovereignty. “Our internal affairs should not concern the US and they should not be given any opportunity to manipulate any operations within the Philippines,” Lidasan said.
The US Embassy has denied American forces were involved in the SAF operation, but admitted that troops helped evacuate the wounded commandos on the request of the Filipino government. (Mindanao Examiner)
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