Duterte douses heat between AFP, PNP

As your commander-in-chief, I grieve for our fallen men. I convey my deepest condolences to you for the death of your comrades

President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his assurance to ferret out facts behind the “misencounter” between the police and military in Jolo, Sulu that resulted in the death of four members of the Army on 29 June.

In his speech aired on Tuesday before the soldiers fighting religious

extremists at the Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, the President assured that the issues related to the killing of Army Major Marvin Indammog, Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sergeant Jaime Velasco and Corporal Abdal Asula will be resolved soon.

The four were gunned down by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Sitio Marina in Barangay Walled also in Jolo. They were reportedly unarmed when attacked at a police checkpoint.

“As your commander-in-chief, I grieve for our fallen men. I convey my deepest condolences to you for the death of your comrades. As President of the Republic, I will see to it that the truth will come out, be it in favor of the police or the military,” Duterte said.

“Justice will be done to the families,” he added.

The President noted that the killing of the soldiers, which he described as an isolated incident, should not drive a wedge between the military and the police.

“We do not have answers to that. We know there is hatred, anger there, if not misunderstanding that led to the shooting,” Duterte said. “It is my hope that this isolated incident would not spark animosity between the Armed Forces and the PNP.”

The President also thanked the soldiers for their continued service amid the difficult time of losing their comrades.

“I came here to personally thank you for your undying service, especially these trying times,” Duterte said. “With your continued support and commitment, terrorists will have no place in our country.”

Duterte, in his latest remarks, assured the military that the NBI would conduct an “immediate and impartial” probe into the incident.

“I already tasked the National Bureau of Investigation to do justice by conducting an immediate and impartial investigation to ferret out the truth,” He said.

He also renewed his vow to provide continued assistance to soldiers and made the pledge, as he thanked the military for their bravery and “undying” service to maintain peace and order in the country amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Let me assure you that as you fight to protect our nation, your needs and those of your families will be taken care of. The government will continue to implement policies and programs that will secure your future,” he said.

Duterte was also optimistic that his administration, with the help of the government forces, would be able to foil the unlawful acts of terror groups and other lawless elements as he acknowledged that some groups and individuals continue to sow chaos amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

As President of the Republic, I will see to it that the truth will come out, be it in favor of the police or the military.

“You have a crucial role to fulfill that relates to a cause higher than yourselves. I move forward with you as we advance the common good and promote the security of the nation. With your continued support and commitment, I am confident that terrorists and all those who want to bring our nation down will have no place in our country,” Duterte said.