Cops in soldiers’ fatal shooting dismissed

MANILA, Philippines — Nine police officers tagged in the shooting that left four Army soldiers dead in Jolo, Sulu in June last year have been dismissed from the service.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas said yesterday he approved the recommendation of the PNP-Internal Affairs Service to dismiss the policemen.

S/Sgts. Almudzrin Hadjaruddin, Iskandar Susulan and Ernisar Sappal; Pat. Alkajal Mandangan, Rajiv Putalan and Moh Nur Parsani; Senior M/Sgt. Abdelzhimar Padjiri; M/Sgt. Hanie Baddiri and Cpl. Sulki Andaki are under restrictive custody at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame.

Sinas said he informed the Department of Justice about the dismissal of the police officers even as he urged the agency to fast-track its investigation into the incident.

He said the dismissal would be final and executory after 10 days if the  police officers will not appeal his decision.

The PNP chief said the police officers would be turned over to their families if no arrest warrant would be issued.

Sinas said the PNP could be held liable for arbitrary detention if they would continue to restrict the policemen after they are dropped from the rolls.

Maj. Marvin Indammog, Capt. Irwin Managuelod, Sgt. Jaime Velasco and Cpl. Abdal Asula were shot while conducting surveillance operations against suspected bombers.

The PNP had earlier described the incident as a misencounter, but backtracked after investigation showed the soldiers did not put up a fight.

Lt. Col. Walter Annayo, who was relieved from his post over the incident, was gunned down by an unidentified assailant in Maguindanao in November.