Three Sulu police officials led by the provincial chief are facing administrative complaints for “neglect of duty” in the shooting incident in June where 9 cops under them killed 4 Army intelligence officers.

This was announced by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Camilo Cascolan in his first Camp Crame press briefing on Monday, September 7, saying that the complaints were filed by the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service (IAS).

He identified the 3 as:

• Sulu police chief Lieutenant Colonel Michael Bawayan
• Jolo police chief Major Walter Annayo
• Sulu Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit chief Captain Ariel Corcino

Cascolan announced that administrative complaints were also filed against the 9 policemen involved in the shooting, who are already facing murder and planting of evidence criminal complaints.

What did they do?

The 3 officials were not at the scene, but they are being held accountable for negligence and command responsibility.

One main friction point between the police and the military in the shooting incident is the alleged lack of coordination on the ground. Each side believes that the other could have done more to prevent the killings.

In June, 9 Sulu policemen shot down the 4 Army intelligence officers after suspecting them as enemies, when they were, in fact, conducting a surveillance operation on suicide bombers who later caused the deadly Jolo twin bombings.

Why does this matter?

The administrative complaints came after the military demanded that police prosecute its own men with more haste.

While the administrative complaints would not bring the cops to jail, they can still be punished with salary deductions, suspension, or even dismissal from the police service if necessary.

Cascolan said that, for the investigation, he is in contact with military chief General Gilbert Gapay, who is his classmate in the Philippine Military Class of 1986. – Rappler.com