Investigation on into clash
HOW ABU SAYYAF ENTERED BOHOL The Police Regional Office (PRO) - 7 has confirmed an ongoing inter-agency investigation into the encounter between authorities and Abu Sayyaf members in Inabanga, Bohol last week, which led to the death of four government tr
PRO-7 Director, Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, said the investigation intends to determine how the Abu Sayyaf members entered Bohol and how they managed to remain low key.
It also aims to identify the bandits’ accomplices there, including couple Constancio and Crisenta Petalco who allegedly died in crossfire.
“Nanduon pa rin ang ating army at saka PNP na nagcoconduct ng follow-up operations... inaantay natin yung follow-up investigation at ang CIDG ang nagtatanggap ng investigation so yun, ang mag-asawa, as to their participation kung sila ay nadamay, kung sila ay supporters, kung sila ay hostaged ay wala pang conclusion ang ating investigation team,” Taliño said.
He said a top priority in the follow-up operation is the arrest of Joselito Melloria who has been tagged as part of the extremist militant group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), considering that authorities have made contact with his mother.
“May nagha-handle but I cannot give you some details about that,” Taliño said.
He reiterated that the incident in Inabanga Bohol is an isolated case and does not reflect the general security and safety condition in Bohol.
“Nagkaroon ng situation doon sa Inabanga pero yung affected ay yung area lang… generally ay peaceful pa rin ang probinsya ng Bohol,” Taliño said.
He also urged the public to stay vigilant and act with urgency whenever there is a suspicious person in their surroundings.
“Ang panawagan lang naman natin ay kung saang area in the region o kahit saan man ay maging alerto lang tayo at mapagmatyag at i-report ang suspicious looking person dahil ang pinakaimportante diyan ay yung community support na lagi nating ini-emphasize,” Taliño said.
The clash in Inabanga town killed government troopers 2nd Lt. Estilito Saldua, Sgt. John Dexter Duero, PO2 Rey Anthony Nazareno, and Corp. Meljune Cajaban.
Four members of the militant group were also killed: Mouamar Askali alias Abu Rami, a sub-leader; a certain alias Abu Sufyan, a bomb expert; a certain Edimar Isnain; and an unidentified armed man.
Based on latest information, eight out of 12 Abu Sayyaf members are still at large.
ASSISTANCE
Supporting the move of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said he will ask the City Council to pass a resolution granting P500,000 cash assistance to the family of soldiers who died in Bohol clash.
Labella said there is no legal impediment in charging against PAGCOR funds as Osmeña has proposed since it can fall under the peace and order criterion.
“I will support the move of the mayor because they really deserve it. They gave their lives for the cause of peace, order, and safety of our constituencies, and tourists,” he told reporters.
Labella said he will set aside partisan politics and discuss with his allies to push through with the giving of financial assistance to the bereaved families of the “heroes” who died in line of duty.
As of now, the city government has P90 million funds under PAGCOR. Osmeña is still waiting for the clearance from PAGCOR management on the city's plan to disburse P2 million, since four government
troops died in battle.
STAY CALM
While in Cebu yesterday, Representative Erico Aristotle Aumentado of Bohol's second congressional district where Inabanga town is part of has exhorted Boholanos to stay calm.
Aumentado was in Cebu City yesterday as keynote speaker of the Regional Scientific Meeting at the Marco Polo Plaza organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology, and the Department of Science and Technology.
Aumentado echoed Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto's declaration that the military and the police are using all available resources to see to it that Boholanos and visitors can live in peace.
Aumentado also allayed fears of vacationers who have earlier booked stays in hotels and resorts in Panglao Island. He said Inabanga is over 90 kilometers from Panglao.