Philippine President: I Was Fooled About Deadly Botched Commando Raid That Resulted In 44 Police Officers Killed

Philippines' President Benigno Aquino deliver a statement during a national address at the presidential palace in Manila February 6, 2015. Credit: Reuters/Romeo Ranoco

Reuters: Manila's Aquino says he was 'fooled' about deadly botched commando raid

(Reuters) - Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Monday blamed a police general for giving him wrong information about a botched secret mission against Islamic rebels that led to the deaths of 44 commandos.

Aquino is facing his biggest political crisis over the operation to capture a wanted militant with some lawmakers, Roman Catholic bishops, civil society groups and activists calling on him to resign.

"It was very clear, I was fooled," Aquino told reporters. "The truth is, I was given the wrong information by the people who knew most what was happening. Unfortunately, the others who did not know anything could not give any further information other than very raw information.”

WNU Editor: This is a rare admission from a head of state on the failure of those who are responsible in providing him the necessary intel and information on vital matters of security. But what makes this story news worthy is that there is apparently a U.S. connection .... US Role In Disastrous Philippine Raid Under Scrutiny (Defense News/AFP)