THE Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (Centcom) will cooperate in the investigation on the misecounter in Sitio Lunoy, Barangay San Roque, Sta. Rita, Samar that led to the deaths of six police officers.

Colonel Medel Aguilar, Centcom spokesperson, described the incident as isolated.

READ: 6 cops killed in Samar 'misencounter' with Army

The "friendly fire" happened between the personnel of First Platoon 805th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Batallion (RMFB)-Eastern Visayas and 16 personnel of Charlie Company, 87th Infantry Batallion, Philippine Army-Eighth Infantry Division.

The army was led by First Lieutenant Orlando Casipit Jr., while the police was led by Chief Inspector Don Suspend.

"It happened by accident. It was never intentional," Aguilar said.

Centcom, he said, regretted the misecounter.

"We extend our condolences to the bereaved famillies," Aguilar said.

Initial investigation indicate it was the army that opened fire at the police troopers.

RMFB troopers were conducting patrol heading towards Sitio Canunay, Barangay Rosal when they were stopped by a volume of fire by undetermined number of unidentified armed men which prompted the former to return fire to defend themselves.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes which resulted in the death of PO1 Wyndell S. Noromor, PO1 Edwin P. Ebrado, PO1 Phil Rey Mendigo, PO1 Julius R. Suarez, PO1 Rowell P. Reyes and PO1 Julie Y. Escalo.

The wounded were PO1 Elmer F. Pan, PO1 Cris Angelo A. Pialago, PO1 Romulo C. Cordero, PO1 Joenel C. Gonzaga, PO1 Rey C. Barbosa, PO1 Roden T. Goden, PO1 Jaime G. Galoy, PO1 Romel Bagunas and PO1 Janmark K. Adones.