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President Aquinos appeal for understanding could only anger the people more, progressives say.

By DEE AYROSO Bulatlat.com

Progressive groups said President Aquino opened the Lenten season by doing a Pontius Pilate in his latest speech on the Mamasapano bloody clash, which could only anger the people even more.

Speaking today at the graduation of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Lakandula class of 2015, Aquino appealed for understanding, saying that he is fully responsible for whatever success or failure in the nations security and peace.

To every Filipino who has felt failure or has been hurt because of the events related to this operation: It is with the abiding humility that I ask for your deepest understanding, the President said in what he called as his last speech on the incident.

Kabataan Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon called Aquinos speech a non-apology apology, which asked for understanding but admitted nothing.

Note how the president didnt even ask for the publics forgiveness. He asked for understanding. Mr. President, the public understands we the people understand that it is you at fault in this botched operation, Ridon said.

The President has purposefully and willfully missed the point in this speech. The point is to admit that he broke the chain of command, that he used the PNP SAF (Special Action Force) as cannon fodder, that he is ultimately responsible for the bloodshed in Mamasapano, he said.

Yet here is Aquino at his worst: showing not even an ounce of remorse for his criminal actions that led to the death of almost 70 Filipinos, Ridon said.

Aquino repeated in his speech that he was not fully informed of the risks of the Mamasapano mission in the version presented to him, but did not name sacked Special Action Force chief Getulio Napeas Jr and resigned PNP chief Alan Purisima. Neither was he informed of the heavy casualties of the SAF troops, he said.

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Progressives to Aquino: We understand its your fault