Philippine police find fault at highest level in bungled mission

President Benigno Aquino walks past troops during the 29th Presidential Security Group (PSG) anniversary in Manila March 10, 2015. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Benigno Aquino approved a bungled mission against Muslim rebels that led to the deaths of 44 police commandos, police said in a report on Friday, piling more pressure on the beleaguered leader.

The Jan. 25 clash shattered a three-year ceasefire with the country's biggest Muslim rebel group and threw a peace process into doubt.