Charges filed vs 8 S. Kudarat cops over teens’ slay

MANILA, Philippines — Eight officers of a municipal police station in Sultan Kudarat are facing murder and other charges in connection with the killing of three teenagers in an alleged shootout in December.

The families of Samanoden Mustapha Ali, Anshad Ansa and Horton Ansa Jr. yesterday filed charges of murder, planting of evidence, falsification of documents and grave misconduct before the Department of Justice against the officers of the Lambayong police station.

The officers were identified as Lambayong police chief Maj. Jehnameel Toñacao, Staff M/Sgt. Syril Mahaddi, Cpls. Elpedio Garlit and Joffrey Apalla, and Patrolmen Nicol Dion Toreja, Basser Mako, Mario Rombaoa Jr. and Roldan Claveria.

The families said the victims, who were on a motorcycle, were unarmed.

A report submitted by the police said the teenagers sped away when the officers flagged them down, but their motorcycle crashed along the road.

The same report said the victims allegedly drew their guns and engaged the officers in a shootout. The officers claimed they found illegal drugs, firearms and a grenade on the victims.

Earlier, Horton Ansa Sr., a police officer assigned in Maguindanao and father of one of the victims, said there were indications that his son and the other victims were shot at close range.