OPLAN EXODUS: The SAF 44 Documentary

Summary

On January 24, 2015, the Philippine National Police's elite SAF unit executed OPLAN EXODUS, a high-stakes mission to capture notorious terrorists Marwan and Usman in Mamasapano. Despite initial success, the operation turned tragic as the SAF commandos were ambushed, leading to a firefight with local armed groups and the loss of 44 brave officers. The aftermath sparked a national debate on responsibility, the peace process, and the sacrifices of the fallen heroes.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The operation took place on the night of January 24, 2015, involving 390 SAF commandos on a classified mission.
• 🏹 The Special Action Force (SAF) is an elite unit of the Philippine National Police, trained for operations like raids, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism.
• 🎯 The mission's objective was to capture two high-profile terrorists, Abdul Basit Usman and Zulkifli Bin Hir (alias Marwan), in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Philippines.
• 🔍 Prior intelligence reports from the United States indicated the presence of the terrorists in the marshlands of Mamasapano.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Previous attempts to capture Marwan since 2010 had been unsuccessful, with the mission code-named OPLAN EXODUS being the latest effort.
• 📍 The operation was meticulously planned with different Special Action Companies (SACs) assigned specific roles and positions.
• 🌾 The terrain was a significant obstacle, with marshlands, cornfields, and rivers complicating the mission's execution.
• ⚔️ The SAF encountered unexpected resistance from local armed groups, including the BIFF and MILF, which were not informed of the operation.
• 🛑 Communication and coordination issues led to delays and confusion among the SAF units, impacting the mission's success.
• 🔫 A firefight ensued, with the SAF commandos surrounded and outnumbered, leading to a desperate fight for survival.
• 🚑 Reinforcements were eventually called, but the situation was already dire, with the army's involvement further complicating the scenario.
• 🔍 Investigations after the incident revealed a series of command failures and political involvement that may have compromised the operation.
• 🏞️ The incident raised questions about the MILF's role and their proximity to the terrorists, as well as the ceasefire's effectiveness.
• 💔 The operation resulted in the tragic loss of 44 SAF commandos, sparking national outrage and calls for accountability.

Q & A

What was the date and time when the SAF commandos began their mission to Mamasapano?

The mission, known as OPLAN EXODUS, commenced at about 11 p.m. on January 24, 2015.

What is the Special Action Force (SAF) and what is their role?

The Special Action Force (SAF) is an elite unit of the Philippine National Police, trained to handle operations such as raids, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism.

Why was the mission to capture Marwan and Usman considered classified?

The mission was classified due to its sensitive nature and the potential for conflict in an area with ongoing peace talks and ceasefires.

Who were the two main targets of the SAF's mission in Mamasapano?

The two main targets were Abdul Basit Usman and Zulkifli Bin Hir, also known as Marwan, who was on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list.

What was the role of the 84th Special Action Company (SAC) in the mission?

The 84th SAC, composed of 41 commandos, was assigned to capture Marwan and Usman and was the first to advance in the operation.

What challenges did the SAF commandos face in the marshlands of Mamasapano?

The SAF commandos faced challenges such as unfamiliar terrain, vast areas of cornfields, deep rivers, and the presence of several armed groups, including the BIFF and the MILF.

What was the significance of the term 'Mike one, bingo' used by the SAF commandos?

'Mike one, bingo' was a code used to communicate that the primary target, Marwan, had been neutralized.

Why were the SAF commandos unable to unite with the 55th SAC for their exit?

The SAF commandos were unable to unite with the 55th SAC for their exit because they were surrounded by over 1,000 combined members of the MILF, BIFF, and other armed groups.

What was the role of the Army's 6th Infantry Division in the aftermath of the firefight?

The Army's 6th Infantry Division was sent as reinforcements and later used white phosphorus for cover and to mark their location for artillery support, which helped to end the firefight.

What controversies arose after the Mamasapano incident?

Controversies included the involvement of suspended PNP Chief Alan Purisima in the operation, the exclusion of Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina from overseeing the operation, and questions about the role of the MILF in the incident.

What was the final outcome of the Mamasapano operation in terms of casualties?

The operation resulted in the tragic loss of 44 SAF commandos, with many receiving fatal shots to the head, suggesting a brutal close-range attack.

Outlines

00:00

🛡️ Special Action Force Mission: OPLAN EXODUS

On January 24, 2015, the Philippine National Police's elite unit, the Special Action Force (SAF), embarked on a high-stakes mission, OPLAN EXODUS, to capture notorious terrorists Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan and Abdul Basit Usman, who were hiding in the marshlands of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Philippines. The mission involved 390 commandos, with the 84th Special Action Company (SAC) leading the operation. The SAF, known for their expertise in raids, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism, had a history of thwarting coup attempts and participating in significant operations. Despite previous failed attempts to capture Marwan, the operation was carried out with confidence, but the unfamiliar terrain and the presence of armed groups like the BIFF and MILF added to the complexity and danger of the mission.

05:03

🏹 Unfamiliar Terrain and Unexpected Delays

The SAF's operation faced immediate challenges due to the difficult terrain and the need to adjust the planned route, causing delays. The militant groups BIFF and MILF, based in Mindanao, were unaware of the operation due to its classified nature. The BIFF sought an independent Islamic state, while the MILF aimed for autonomy for the Moro people. Peace talks between the government and the MILF were ongoing, with a ceasefire in place. The operation commenced at 11 pm, with the 41 commandos of the Seaborne team led by Supt. Raymond Train advancing first. However, they encountered improvised traps and were alerted to the presence of armed groups, leading to a firefight and the escape of one of the targets, Abdul Basit Usman.

10:05

🔫 Surrounded and Ambushed: The Fight for Survival

After successfully neutralizing Marwan, the SAF commandos found themselves surrounded by over 1,000 members of the MILF, BIFF, and other armed groups. The 55th SAC, delayed by the terrain, formed a defensive perimeter in the cornfields of Barangay Tukanalipao. As dawn broke, they were forced to retreat and find a different exit route, only to be surrounded again. Despite continuous calls for reinforcements, the remaining SAF units were met with gunfire and had to retreat. The situation reached the SAF director, Getulio Napeñas Jr., who informed the Army's 6th Infantry Division Commander about the operation, leading to the deployment of reinforcements and the eventual involvement of the MILF in the firefight.

15:06

🕊️ Ceasefire Breach and Command Structure Controversy

The aftermath of the firefight revealed a complex situation with the ceasefire potentially breached and a command structure under scrutiny. It was discovered that former President Benigno Aquino III had allowed his suspended friend, former PNP Chief Alan Purisima, to oversee the operation, despite ongoing corruption investigations against him. Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, who should have had authority over the operation, was excluded and only informed after the incident. The blame game among officials intensified, with questions arising about the MILF's role and the proximity of Marwan to their territory.

20:10

🏛️ Investigations, Debates, and the Legacy of the Fallen 44

Investigations following the incident uncovered a series of missteps and controversial decisions that led to the tragic loss of 44 SAF commandos. Autopsy reports suggested that many were shot at close range, possibly by snipers, and a video circulated on social media showed brutal killings. The MILF conducted their own investigation, claiming they lost 17 members and that the SAF fired first. The Senate probe and public opinion debated whether it was a mis-encounter or a massacre, with differing views from government officials. The incident remains a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the SAF commandos, raising questions about accountability and the pursuit of justice.

Keywords

💡SAF

SAF stands for Special Action Force, which is an elite unit of the Philippine National Police. It is crucial to the video's theme as it represents the main protagonists undertaking the classified mission. The SAF is highlighted for its role in high-risk operations such as raids, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism, with the video detailing their involvement in historical events like the end of coup d'etat attempts and the Zamboanga Siege.

💡classified mission

A 'classified mission' refers to a secret operation that is not disclosed to the public or unauthorized personnel. In the context of the video, it is the main focus, with the SAF carrying out a high-stakes operation to capture notorious terrorists. The term is integral to the narrative, emphasizing the covert and dangerous nature of the task at hand.

💡OPLAN EXODUS

OPLAN EXODUS is the codename for the specific mission described in the video. It is a key term as it denotes the operation that leads to the central conflict of the video. The name signifies the scale and significance of the mission, which involves multiple Special Action Companies and a complex strategy to capture key targets.

💡Zulkifli Bin Hir

Zulkifli Bin Hir, also known as Marwan, is a central figure in the video. He is identified as a Malaysian terrorist specializing in bomb-making and is one of the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists. His presence is vital as he is the main target of the SAF's mission, with his capture being the primary objective that drives the operation and its subsequent events.

💡MILF

MILF stands for Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an organization in Mindanao seeking autonomy for the Moro people. The term is significant in the video as it represents one of the armed groups in the area where the mission takes place. The MILF's involvement raises questions about their possible connection to the terrorists and the ensuing conflict with the SAF.

💡BIFF

BIFF stands for Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a militant group in Mindanao with the goal of establishing an Independent Islamic State. The term is important as it identifies another armed group in the region, which complicates the mission and contributes to the intensity of the conflict during OPLAN EXODUS.

💡ceasefire

A 'ceasefire' is an agreement to stop fighting, often between conflicting parties. In the video, it is mentioned in the context of ongoing peace talks between the government and the MILF, which adds a layer of complexity to the mission as it unfolds without the knowledge of the MILF, potentially violating the ceasefire and escalating tensions.

💡white phosphorus

White phosphorus is a chemical used for creating smoke screens or markers, as depicted in the video during the army's extraction of the trapped SAF commandos. It is a key term as it illustrates a tactical measure taken to provide cover and assist in the location of friendly forces amidst a firefight.

💡Fallen 44

The 'Fallen 44' refers to the 44 SAF commandos who lost their lives during the mission. This term is emotionally charged and central to the video's message, symbolizing the sacrifice and bravery of those who died in service. It encapsulates the human cost of the operation and the impact on the Filipino people.

💡massacre

The term 'massacre' is used in the video to describe the manner in which the SAF commandos were killed, sparking debate and controversy. It is a key concept that raises questions about the responsibility and accountability of the operation's outcome, as well as the nature of the conflict itself.

Highlights

On January 24, 2015, 390 SAF commandos embarked on a classified mission called OPLAN EXODUS.

The SAF is an elite unit of the Philippine National Police trained for operations like raids, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism.

The mission's objective was to capture two most wanted terrorists, Abdul Basit Usman and Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Philippines.

Marwan, a Malaysian terrorist, was involved in numerous attacks and plots in Southeast Asia, including a plot against the Pope's visit to the Philippines.

Previous attempts to capture Marwan since 2010 had been unsuccessful, with most missions aborted and Marwan escaping.

The 84th SAC, Seaborne, composed of 41 commandos, was tasked with capturing Marwan and Usman as the first to advance.

The 55th SAC, a blocking force of 36 commandos, was to provide primary support and security for Seaborne.

The mission faced challenges due to unfamiliar terrain, vast cornfields, deep rivers, and the presence of armed groups like BIFF and MILF.

The MILF was not informed of the operation due to its classified nature, leading to a potential misunderstanding during the encounter.

At 11 pm, Oplan Exodus commenced with Seaborne advancing and other SACs waiting for the right time to move.

Seaborne successfully neutralized Marwan, taking a DNA sample and sending a 'Mike one, bingo' message to command.

Seaborne and the 55th SAC were surrounded by over 1,000 members of the MILF, BIFF, and other armed groups, leading to a fight for survival.

The Army's 6th Infantry Division was informed about the operation but did not receive a request for reinforcements initially.

The Army used white phosphorus for cover and as markers for artillery, minimizing the risk of friendly fire during the firefight.

Investigations revealed that former President Aquino allowed his suspended friend and PNP Chief Purisima to control the operation.

The Senate probe questioned the MILF's alleged role in providing a haven for terrorists, which was denied by the MILF.

Autopsy reports indicated that most SAF commandos received fatal shots to the head, suggesting sniper involvement and close-range executions.

Transcripts

10 p.m, night of January 24, 2015

about 390 SAF commandos are on their way to an unfamiliar territory

to carry out a classified mission

a mission, which the SAF are the  most capable of

The Special Action Force or SAF is an elite unit of the Philippine National Police

The members were chosen among a number of  participants

who had undergone a tough selection procedure

the qualified members then received special and intense training

to handle operations such as raids, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism

their involvement to end coup d'etat attempts in the late 1980's

and the Zamboanga Siege in 2013 are just some of the many accomplishments

of the Special Action Force.

months before this mission, an intelligence report  

allegedly from the United States, revealed  that two of the most wanted terrorists

in several countries, are currently hiding

in the marshlands of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, Philippines.

the objective of the SAF is to infiltrate 

and capture terrorists Abdul Basit Usman

and the main target, one of FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists 

Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan 

Marwan is a Malaysian terrorist who specializes in bomb making

together with his group, Marwan was involved in a number of attacks and plots in Southeast Asia

including a reported plot targeting the Pope during his visit in the Philippines

fortunately, it was averted.  

this mission however, was not new to the SAF

efforts to capture Marwan can be dated back to 2010

wherein nine consecutive attempts have been made but none were successful

most missions were aborted and in some cases, Marwan, was able to escape

but this time, officials responsible of the operation were confident that the outcome

would be different

with this confidence in mind, the SAF commandos prepares as they get closer to the site

to carry out the mission

a mission that will forever be remembered  by Filipinos

A mission named: OPLAN EXODUS

divided as Special Action Companies, the  SAF commandos will follow a planned route  

and will position at assigned locations on the map

the 84th SAC or Seaborne which is composed of 41 commandos

is the team assigned to capture Marwan and Usman

they will be the first one to advance,  and will control the movement of other SACs 

just behind Seaborne the 55th SAC, composed of 36 commandos

will become the blocking force

which will serve as the primary support and security for Seaborne

the remaining SACs, which are composed of more than 300 SAF commandos

will serve as support groups, securing the exits of both SACs

meanwhile, the 43rd SAC will position along the  drop-off point, securing both ends of the highway

the plan was estimated to be done at a specific time

however, this was unlikely

as the terrain leading to the targets  was a huge obstacle for the commandos 

the marshland was covered with vast  areas of cornfields and deep rivers

moreover,

it was not their territory

throughout the marshland, several armed groups are situated at certain areas

the largest of which are the BIFF and the MILF

The BIFF is a militant organization based in Mindanao

seeking to have an Independent Islamic State for the Muslim minority

meanwhile, the MILF also a group in Mindanao, is an organization which

seeks to separate from the central government and  have an autonomous region for the Moro people 

fortunately, the government and the  MILF are currently in an ongoing peace talks

prohibiting both parties from doing  aggressive actions, basically, a ceasefire  

however, due to the mission being classified,

the MILF were not informed of the operation

At about 11 pm of January 24

Oplan Exodus

Commenced

the 41 commandos of Seaborne led  by Supt. Raymond Train

advances

the remaining SACs are waiting for the right time to depart  

as their movements depended on the movement of Seaborne

however, due to an unfamiliar terrain, and the strong current of the rivers

Seaborne did minor changes to the planned route

this caused a delay in the departure of the  55th SAC and the remaining support groups

Marwan's hut was covered with improvised traps

Meanwhile hidden from sight, 

Abdul Basit Usman, escapes

Unfortunately, the gunshots  awoke the armed groups in the area

Seaborne had successfully neutralized,  one of the world's most dangerous men

without delay, they took a DNA sample

and a picture was taken

a SAF commando then sent a text message to the command

saying "Mike one, bingo." which meant that the target was neutralized 

triumph was felt among the commandos outside as they've heard the word bingo

But that triumph won't last

As Seaborne attempts to unite with the 55th SAC for the exit

they were already surrounded

Meanwhile, the 55th SAC which was delayed for hours, attempts to reach their designated waypoint

as they were navigating through the  cornfields of Barangay Tukanalipao 

they heard men shouting around the area 

immediately they formed a defensive perimeter

across the river they saw MILF members gathering near the bridge

the 55th SAC waited

their only cover was the  cornfield and the darkness

but not for long

as dawn breaks, the 77 commandos  of the 55th SAC and Seaborne  

are to be surrounded by over 1,000 combined members

of the MILF, BIFF, and other Private Armed Groups

at the location of Seaborne, it was a fight for survival  

thinking they were unmatched by the unknown  number of armed groups shooting at them

they decided to retreat to the river and took a different exit route to avoid the enemies

but then again, they got surrounded

during this time the SAF commandos of the  55th SAC and Seaborne

continuously called for reinforcements

this led the remaining  Special Action Companies to advance

but then eventually retreated as they were met with gunfire

at the same time the situation reached SAF director Getulio Napeñas Jr.

the commander who oversees the operation

at about 6 am, Napeñas sends a message to the Army's 6th Infantry Division Commander  

informing him about the operation

however, according to the commander, he did  receive a message

but it did not mention the need for reinforcements

fortunately, the said commander, Major General Pangilinan  

sent out a reinforcement team after details of  the ongoing firefight have circulated

moreover, Pangilinan orders the brigade general of  the AFP to notify the MILF of the situation  

which again was in an ongoing  peace talks with the government

at about 8:30 am, the army arrived  

according to the army, they saw the remaining  SAF commandos just sitting on the highway  

the army then asked for coordinates from two SAF  commanders to locate the 55th SAC and Seaborne

unfortunately, they don't know

after figuring out the location, the army advances

but the remaining SAF members reportedly  refused to go with them

according to a report, there was no command telling the SAF what to do

at about 9: 00 am, the army received a call from Seaborne

informing them that they are on a hill in barangay tukanalipao, surrounded by the MILF

However, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Catapang ordered his men to not engage the MILF

because they don't want to endanger the ongoing peace process

the army then proceeded to extract them

but along the way they were also met with gunfire

and forced them to retaliate

the firefight lasted for several hours

until the army decided to deploy white phosphorus at about 5:30 pm

the white phosphorus are used for cover

and as markers for the artillery team to calculate their location

minimizing the risk of a friendly fire

as the armed groups saw the  white phosphorus

at about 6 pm, the firefight stopped

and the MILF announces  that their fighters had withdrawn from the area  

shortly after, the search for the 77 commandos began

but the story goes deeper than it seemed

investigations done after the incident, uncovered something behind the people responsible

of the operation

it was revealed that former President and also  the commander-in-chief Benigno Aquino III

allowed his close friend former PNP Chief Alan Purisima to participate

and allegedly gave him control of the operation

however, the said  PNP Chief was suspended at that time  

currently being investigated  for an alleged graft case  

even so Aquino entrusted him the operation,  along with the SAF Director Getulio Napeñas Jr.

moreover, it was reported that Deputy  Director General Leonardo Espina  

was supposed to be the one who had the  authority to oversee the entire operation  

but due to an unknown reason, he was excluded

and was only informed on the morning of January 25

with the number of revelations being brought to  light, the officials responsible of the operation  

fell into a blame game, taking  turns in blaming one another

in regards to the MILF questions arise as to why  Marwan was near if not within their territory  

during the senate probe on the  incident Senate Majority Leader

Alan Peter Cayetano, fired questions directed to the MILF  

asking about their alleged role in providing a haven for the terrorists

but all of these were denied by the MILF

insisting that Marwan took refuge within the BIFF territory

this was supported by Chief Peace Adviser Teresita Deles

saying that the MILF already ended ties with the terrorists

in a different investigation,  autopsy reports done by the PNP

revealed that most members received a fatal shot to the head

this can be done by the snipers  

however, this also suggests that some were  shot up close

this theory was confirmed when a video circulated through social media

showed a brutal killing of one SAF commando up close

besides the investigation done by the  government, the MILF conducted their own

according to their investigation, the MILF lost  17 of their members and 3 civilians had died

in regards to the Oplan Exodus, the MILF said  that they were not aware of the operation

and even with the ceasefire prohibiting both parties  from doing aggressive actions

they said that they were not able to identify the SAF commandos

and claimed that the said commandos fired at them first

these claims led people to debate if this was  a case of a mis-encounter or just pure massacre  

the senate which condemned the manner of how  the SAF members were killed

labeled the incident as massacre

but the Commission on Human Rights Chairperson disagrees with them  

stating that "categorizing the  incident as a massacre is excessive."

The tragic events of January 25, 2015

cannot and will not be forgotten by the filipino people

during that day, families lost a  father, a brother, a son, and a hero

thus questions and outrage remain

Who was at fault? Who is to be blamed?

and has justice already been given?

but one thing is certain and will surely be remembered

the bravery and sacrifice

of the Fallen 44.