The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed murder charges against the six Jolo cops and three Sulu Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) members for killing four Army intelligence operatives who were locating a suspected Abu Sayyaf suicide bomber.
Department of Justice (DOJ) records showed the complaint was filed against Police Senior Master Sergeant Abdelzhimar Padjiri, Police Master Sgt. Hannie Baddiri, PSSg Iskandar Susulan, PSSg Erniskar Sappal, and Police Corporal Sulki Andaki Patrolman Moh Nur Pasani, and Sulu PDEU officers PSSg Almudzrin Hadjaruddin and Patrolmen Alkajal Mandangan and Rajiv Putalan.
The nine suspects were currently under the custody of the PNP Headquarters Support Service in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“After a thorough perusal of the records of this case, we are convinced that the evidence presented amply demonstrates that the victims were killed and that it was the nine police officers who killed them,” the NBI said in its complaint.
According to AFP-Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, the four soldiers identified as Major Marvin Indammog, Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sergeant Jaime Velasco Jr., and Corporal Abdal Asula assigned to the 11th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army were on an official mission where their operations targeted two suspected suicide bombers of the Abu Sayyaf.
Also read: Army chief: Jolo shooting incident not a ‘misencounter’ but a murder
The NBI investigation revealed the Jolo police officers simultaneously shot the Intelligence officers without “the opportunity to defend themselves.”
A report by the PNP-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Spokesperson Jemar Delos Santos said the four soldiers were on board Montero SUV and was blocked at the checkpoint.
The four were directed to the Jolo Municipal Police Station for verification, but the four men, who were later identified as members of the AFP intelligence unit, allegedly fled. The soldiers reportedly targeted the police, resulting in an encounter.
However, the NBI said witnesses said that Indammog did not carry a gun when he alighted from the SUV.
“It can be concluded that the rifle recovered near his left hand was indeed planted,” said the NBI.
NBI filed also filed a complaint against Sulu police chief, Col. Michael Bawayan, Jolo police chief, Maj.Walter Annayo, and Sulu provincial drug enforcement unit chief, Capt. Ariel Corcino for neglect of duty.