Army welcomes raps vs. cops in Sulu incident

Killed in the June 29 incident in Jolo, Sulu were Major Marvin A. Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin B. Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime M. Velasco, 38, and Cpl. Abdal Asula, 33. The four were conducting intelligence and monitoring operations against two suspected suicide bombers when gunned down by nine Jolo police officers. (File photo: Philippine Army/Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday welcomed the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) decision to file murder and planting of evidence charges against the nine police officers involved in the shooting of four military intelligence operatives in Jolo, Sulu last June 29.

“This is a welcome development not only for the Philippine Army but also for the families of our soldiers who were murdered in cold blood. 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,” PA chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a media statement.

Gapay also lauded the NBI for its swift action on the case.

He also said the sacrifices made by these four soldiers have further fueled the PA’s determination and resolve to fight terrorism.

Gapay also lauds the “exemplary professionalism” PA troops who remained steadfast, and faithful to their mandate despite the death of the four.

Killed in the June 29 incident in Jolo, Sulu were Major Marvin A. Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin B. Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime M. Velasco, 38, and Cpl. Abdal Asula, 33. The four were conducting intelligence and monitoring operations against two suspected suicide bombers when gunned down by nine Jolo police officers.

The NBI Western Mindanao filed four counts of murder and planting of evidence against Senior M/Sgt. Abdelzhimar H Padjiri, M/Sgt. Hanie U. Baddiri, S/Sgt. Iskandar I. Susulan, S/Sgt. Ernisar P. Sappal, Cpl. Sulki M. Andaki, Pat. Mohammad Nur E. Pasani, S/Sgt. Almudzrin M. Hadjaruddin, Pat. Alkajal J. Mandangan and Pat. Rajiv G. Putalan

The NBI also recommended the filing of complaints for neglect of duty against Sulu provincial police chief, Col. Michael Bawayan, Jolo police chief, Maj. Walter Annayo, and Sulu Provincial Drugs Enforcement Unit chief, Capt. Ariel Corcino.

In a summary report signed by NBI Legal Division officer-in-charge Yehlen C. Agus, the NBI said it is convinced that the nine police officers killed the Army officers.

“The 9 police officers simultaneously attacked the victims who were not given the opportunity to defend themselves,” the report read.

It added that CCTV footages and eyewitnesses’ accounts “clearly demonstrate that they executed overt acts”.

“There can be no question that the acts of the Police Officers constitute positive and overt acts towards the realization of a common criminal intent, although the intent may be classified as instantaneous,” the report said.

As recounted by the witnesses, Indammog did not carry any firearm when he alighted from the vehicle.

“Based on the additional pieces of evidence, it could be concluded that the rifle recovered near his (Indammog’s) left hand was indeed planted,” the report added.

The investigating team also agreed that failure of the Sulu Police Provincial Director, PDEU Chief, and Jolo Chief of Police to inform their subordinates of the active operation by military “constitutes gross negligence under the doctrine of command responsibility”.

The entire records of the case will be forwarded to the National Prosecution Service and the Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the military is “elated” to know that the third party investigation done by the NBI has been concluded and was followed by the filing of cases before the Department of Justice.

“The filing of the charges goes beyond what is apparent in the CCTV footage that recorded the incident,” he said.

Probable cause was found which merited the filing of the cases of murder and planting of evidence against the accused police personnel, Arevalo said.

“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 under chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. will be following intently the development of this case from the filing of the case to prosecution, and rendering of judgment.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the NBI’s move and said it is the best interest of justice to prosecute those criminally liable.

“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,” it said in a statement.

The PNP added that it stands by the truth and will continue to be at the forefront of upholding justice for all. (with reports Benjamin Pulta and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)