DOJ to issue subpoena for cops accused of killing soldiers in Jolo

Prosecutors will order the policemen who face murder complaints over the fatal shooting of four soldiers in Jolo, Sulu to answer the allegations against them within 10 days, an official said Monday.

Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said they will issue subpoenas to the respondent police officers on Monday. They will not be required to appear before the Department of Justice (DOJ), he said.

Nine officers of the Jolo police are accused of murder and planting of evidence in connection with the death of four Philippine Army soldiers last June 29.

The city's police chief and two Sulu police officials, on the other hand, were accused of neglect of duty.

The four military men—Major Marvin Indamog, Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sergeant Eric Velasco, and Corporal Abdal Asula—were on official mission tracking alleged suicide bombers when they were flagged down by cops in Barangay Walled City.

Though they had identified themselves as soldiers, they were instructed to go to the police station for verification. According to a police report, the soldiers escaped and pointed their weapons at the officers, prompting the policemen to fire.

The Philippine Army chief said the soldiers never fired.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported that most of the soldiers' bullet wounds were on the back of the body.

"The 9 police officers simultaneously attacked the victims who were not given the opportunity to defend themselves," the NBI's legal division said.

Now that a complaint has been filed before the DOJ, prosecutors will determine whether or not there is basis to file charges against the policemen in court. — BM, GMA News