The Philippine National Police approved the dismissal of the 9 cops involved in the shooting of  4 Army intelligence officers in Jolo, Sulu.

PNP chief General Debold Sinas confirmed the news to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

“Confirmed and approved [the] dismissal in police service – [the] 9 cops involved in the Jolo shooting incident,” Sinas told PNA.

In June 2020, the 9 Jolo policemen shot dead 4 soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in broad daylight. The AFP had accused PNP of a cover-up, as the latter claimed soldiers threatened to shoot at cops.

The National Bureau of Investigation later confirmed AFP’s account that Army intelligence soldier Major Marvin Indammog was unarmed when he was shot dead.

Sinas on Friday said that they have already informed the Department of Justice (DOJ) that after 10 days, if there is still no warrant of arrest, the dismissed cops will be “turned over to their families” as they return to civilian life.

“We might face allegations of arbitrary detention. This is why we are coordinating with the DOJ that is investigating the criminal case to fast track its filing. And we would hold them to the maximum period allowable. Hopefully, a warrant of arrest would be issued against them soon,” Sinas told PNA.

The NBI already filed murder and planting of evidence complaints against the Jolo cops.

Three Sulu police officials led by the Provincial Chief Lieutenant Colonel Michael Bawayan are also facing administrative complaints for neglect of duty. – Rappler.com