DOJ summons cops in Sulu shooting

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday sent out subpoenas for the nine policemen and three police officials tagged in the killing of four Philippine Army intelligence agents in Jolo, Sulu.

The subpoenas were sent to the respondents who were identified in a complaint filed by relatives of the agents Maj. Marvin Indammog, Cpt. Irwin Managuelod, Sgt. Jaime Velasco Jr. and Cpl. Abdal Asula through the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), according to Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento of the DOJ-National Prosecution Service.

The respondents were given 10 days to submit their counter affidavits.

The respondents need not appear physically before the DOJ to submit their counter-affidavits, in compliance with quarantine restrictions and social distancing rules, the DOJ said.

Charges for four counts of murder and planting of evidence were filed against each of the respondents, identified as Senior M/Sgt. Abelzhimar Padjiri, M/Sgt. Hannie Baddiri, S/Sgts. Iskandar Susulan and Erniskar Sappal, Cpl. Sulki Andaki and Pat. Moh Nur Pasani, all of the Jolo police.

Also charged were S/Sgt. Almudzrin Hadjaruddin and Patrolmen Alkajal Mandangan and Rajiv Putalan, all of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU)-Sulu.

The NBI recommended that Sulu police director Col. Michael Bayawan Jr., PDEU-Sulu chief Capt. Ariel Corcino and Jolo police chief Maj. Walter Annayo be charged with neglect of duty as provided under the doctrine of command responsibility.

Based on the complaint, the police officers simultaneously attacked the victims, who had no chance to defend themselves.