Shame on Aquino for failing Napeñas and his commandos

I would have excused President Aquino for his mishandling of the Mamasapano incident, considering that he has no known executive experience or leadership training before being catapulted to the presidency. Unfortunately, he has blundered in every crisis.

Mr. President, you may want to seek the advice of Director General Alan Purisima about the concept of military discipline: “A commander is responsible for what his unit does or fails to do.” You can also take a short course on the principles of leadership, especially on the welfare of your men. You may also want to get a refresher course on Psychology 101 so you may know that finger-pointing and putting the blame on others is defined as “projection.”

The way you blamed Director Getulio Napeñas does not befit a good leader. You are supposed to take care of your men. If Napeñas committed some tactical blunders, you do not have to castigate him in public to save your ass and that of Purisima. Have you forgotten that Napeñas was taking orders from Purisima to whom you were giving instructions?

You have inflicted so much damage on the Philippine National Police as an institution and on the morale of its members, so why don’t you just ask Purisima to retire early like you did to Director General Nicanor Bartolome? In the same manner that you cannot salvage your own reputation, you cannot salvage theirs. Do not be arrogant and hard-headed and put all the blame on Napeñas who I believe should retire early. He accomplished his mission, but you failed him and his men. Shame on you, Mr. President!

—COL. MARIANO R. SANTIAGO, PC (ret.), [email protected]