Army, PNP probe Samar ‘misencounter’

The Army's 8th Infantry Division is conducting a "thorough and impartial investigation" with the Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding Monday morning's alleged misencounter in Samar that left six cops dead and nine others wounded.

"A joint, thorough and impartial investigation is being conducted even as we assure the public that your AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP [are] fully cooperating to shed light on the incident," said Major General Raul M. Farnacio, 8ID commander.

Farnacio said he has directed his ground commanders "to make appropriate actions" following the incident.

Reports reaching this 8ID headquarters said one platoon reported that it clashed for 30 minutes with an armed group at the vicinity of Sitio Lunoy in Barangay San Roque, Santa Rita, Samar.

After the fighting, it was discovered "that the unit involved in the encounter belonged to the PNP unit under PCI Suspiñe who also operated on the same location," the 8ID said in a statement.

No casualties were reported on the military side.

"The whole 8ID family extend our condolences to the bereaved families of those who died in the armed engagement," Farnacio said.

"Rest assured that this unfortunate incident will not hamper the working relation of your Army and PNP in the region." —KBK/RSJ, GMA News