THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it was “elated” by the filing of murder and planting of evidence charges against the nine policemen tagged in the fatal shooting of four army intelligence operatives in Jolo, Sulu on June 29, 2020.
“The AFP is elated to know that the third party investigation done by the NBI has been concluded and was followed by the filing of cases to the Department of Justice. The filing of the charges go beyond what is apparent in the CCTV footage that recorded the incident,” AFP spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo said in a statement on Wednesday, July 22.
“We understand that in the rule of law and due process, this is for a long haul. But we are comforted to note that the first step towards the quest for justice in favor of the four slain Philippine Army soldiers was attained,” he added.
Arevalo said the AFP leadership will be following the development of the case until judgment is rendered against those responsible for the death of the soldiers.
For his part, Philippine Army Commanding General Gilbert Gapay lauded the “swift action” of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the matter.
He said it was a welcoming development not only to the military but most especially to the bereaved families of the victims.
“This is proof that their cry for justice is being heard, and we are confident that we will secure conviction against the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” Gapay said.
He also commended the professionalism of troops who remain steadfast and faithful to their mandate despite their anger over the loss of four of their comrades.
“These fallen heroes have actually further fueled our determination, and resolve to fight terrorism,” he said.
The four soldiers - Major Marvin Indammog, Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sergeant Jaime Velasco and Corporal Abdal Asula - were on an official mission against alleged suicide bombers in Jolo when they were stopped at a police checkpoint and shot dead.
The police initially claimed it was a “misencounter” but the army said the soldiers did not fire a single shot.
The incident caused tension between the police and military in Sulu which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to visit and calm the troops there.
To ensure an impartial investigation, he tapped the NBI for the conduct of the probe.
The nine policemen were brought to Camp Crame to ensure their availability during the investigation.
However, during the conduct of preliminary investigation, the policemen declined to give any statement.
On Tuesday, the NBI filed murder and planting of evidence charges against Senior Master Sergeant Abdelzhimar H. Padjiri, Master Sergeant Hanie U. Baddiri, Staff Sergeant Iskandar I. Susulan, Staff Sergeant Ernisar P. Sappal, Corporal Sulki M. Andaki and Patrolman Moh Nur E. Pasani who were all members of the Jolo Municipal Police Station Alert Team; and Staff Sergeant Almudzrin M. Hadjaruddin, Patrolmen Alkajal J. Mandangan, and Rajiv G. Putalan who were assigned to the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of Sulu before the Department of Justice.
They also recommended the filing of charges for neglect of duty against Sulu Police Provincial Office Director Michael Bawayan, Jolo Police chief Major Walter Annayo and Sulu Provincial Drugs Enforcement Unit chief Captain Ariel Corcino.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) also welcomed the charges.
“It is in the best interest of justice to prosecute those who may be criminally liable. Under the criminal justice system and in accordance with penal laws, the respondents will be given the opportunity to answer the charges against them before the proper forum and in accordance with due process,” PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in a statement.
“The Philippine National Police stands by the truth and will continue to be in the forefront of upholding justice for all,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)