Military welcomes filing of criminal charges by NBI on nine policemen

July 22, 2020

The military welcomes the filing of criminal charges by the National Bureau of Investigation ( NBI) before the Department of Justice  against the nine Sulu policemen involved in the shooting of four Army intelligence officers in Jolo last June 29.

"The AFP is elated to know that the third party investigation done by the NBI has been concluded and was followed by the filing of cases to the Secretary of Justice," Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman said.

"The filing of the charges go beyond what is apparent  in the  CCTV footage that recorded the incident. Probable cause was found which merited the filing of the cases of murder and planting of evidence against the accused police personnel," he said.

"We understand that in the rule of law and due process, this is for a long haul. But we are comforted to note that the first step towards the quest for justice in favor of the four slain Philippine Army soldiers was attained," he added.

Arevalo also noted that "the AFP leadership under General Felimon Santos, Jr. will be following intently the development of this case from the filing of the case, to prosecution, and rendering of judgement."

Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay lauds the swift action of the National Bureau of Investigation.

"This is a welcome development not only for the Philippine Army, but also for the families of our soldiers who were murdered in cold blood.  This is proof that their cry for justice is being heard, and we are confident that we will secure conviction against the perpetrators of this heinous crime," Gapay said.

"I also laud the exemplary professionalism of our troops, who remain steadfast, and faithful to their mandate despite the loss of our Jolo Four. These fallen heroes have  further fueled our determination, and resolve to fight terrorism," he added. Robina Asido/DMS