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.