Jolo shooting suspects face NBI

Despite identifying themselves as members of the military, the men were told to go to the police station for further verification of their identity

The police officers charged with killing four army soldiers in Jolo, Sulu explained the events of that fateful day before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday.

NBI Deputy Director Antonio Pagatpat said the nine policemen narrated in more detail what transpired the day army Major Marvin Indammog, Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sergeant Jaime Velasco, and Corporal Abdal Asulaall of the 9th Intelligence Service Unit, 11th Infantry Division.

All nine refused to be interviewed as they exited the

NBI offices.

Pagatpat said a subpoena had been issued against the nine policemen and explain what actually happened.

Security was tight at the NBI offices along Taft Avenue and a joint police and SWAT team was deployed outside the building.

Justice Secretary Menandro said the field officer has completed taking the witnesses’ statements, the forensic findings of the medico legal and the ballistic report of experts plus the likelihood of filing criminal charges.

Pagatpat said 10 people actually witnessed the shooting of the army soldiers.

In a statement, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said the nine policemen will continue to be detained at Camp Crame.

Their appearance before the NBI formed part of the preliminary probe into the incident that the Army claimed was a robout.

Justice will be done to the slain soldiers.

The army men were tracking alleged suicide bombers when the shooting happened in Barangay Walled City in Jolo.

Despite identifying themselves as members of the military, the men were told to go to the police station for further verification of their identity.

According to a police spot report, the soldiers tried to escape and pointed their weapons at the police officers. This allegedly prompted the policemen to fire at the soldiers.

The NBI said one of the government troopers had eight gunshot wounds while two other soldiers had three.

The PNP said it is up to the NBI to determine if there was an overkill.

Four of the nine cops tested positive in a paraffin test.

Earlier, President Duterte assured the military that truth and justice will be served to the families of soldiers who died.

“Justice will be done to the slain soldiers,” he said.