MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the findings of the Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) recommending the dismissal of the police officers involved in the June 29 shooting of four military intelligence operatives in Jolo, Sulu.
In a statement late Sunday, AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the military is still waiting for the criminal case against the suspects to start rolling.
“The AFP welcomes the reported recommendation by PNP-IAS to separate the perpetrators from the PNP service. And if ever that recommendation will be adopted, it is but an administrative penalty,” Arevalo said.
Killed in the June 29 incident in Jolo, Sulu were Maj. Marvin A. Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin B. Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime M. Velasco, 38 and Cpl. Abdal Asula, 33.
The four soldiers were conducting intelligence and monitoring operations against two suspected suicide bombers when gunned down by nine Jolo police officers.
He added that the AFP is still looking forward to the two-fold criminal and civil liabilities of those involved in the murder of their intelligence operatives.
“We are waiting anxiously for that day that such verdict will be reached to begin from the filing of the cases, trial, and decision rendered by a competent court,” Arevalo said.
Also, he added the AFP will not renege on its commitment to the victims and their loved ones to pursue justice for them until it is served judiciously and with due haste.
“This is the same covenant that the AFP chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay has with our personnel — that the AFP leadership will look after their well-being and welfare as they perform their tasks dutifully and with utter disregard of their own safety or comfort,” Arevalo said.