AFP chief Gapay convinced there was 'coverup' in Jolo shooting

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay on Wednesday said there had been a coverup in the Jolo shooting incident wherein four soldiers died in the hands of police officers.

During a Senate hearing, Gapay said the military finds as "fantastic and unbelievable" the police's spot report of the killing that transpired on June 29.

"We find the initial report as fabricated and full of inconsistencies and really misleading. Sa Ragos case ganoon din eh. Ganoon din, wala namang unlawful aggression," Gapay said.

"Sa report palang parang medyo questionable and there's apparent coverup. That's why in both cases we immediately sought the help of NBI (National Bureau of Investigation). Pag ganoon na kasi ang report natin, there's doubt already that we will have an impartial investigation," he added.

Gapay, then the Philippine Army chief when the incident happened, previously said the four personnel carrying out an intelligence operation were murdered.

"It was a deliberate act. There was really an intent to kill although we cannot really ascertain the motive but definitely there was an intent to kill, nakita niyo nga ang tama nasa likod lahat eh so kung bakbakan yan sa harap 'yan," he said anew during the hearing.

"When we craft spot reports, all reports, for that matter, let's be factual. Huwag natin i-cover up. Let's not cover up misdeeds, violations or infractions of the law committed by any person even by AFP, PNP or civilians, and they should be charged accordingly," he added.

Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Gamboa, present during the hearing, did not address the coverup claim of Gapay.

But Gamboa earlier said the evidence in the possession of the NBI should be taken up in courts.

"The basis of NBI in filing the appropriate charge against these nine are based on the evidence, both material and testimonials, that they have gathered in the course of their investigation," Gamboa said.

"I suggest that that portion of criminal charges will be tackled by the courts. Let them determine whether the nine policemen are really guilty of the charges against them," he added.

The NBI has filed four counts of murder and planting of evidence against the nine cops involved and recommended the filing of neglect of duty against three more local police officers.

Gamboa said he would be willing to surrender the police officers to the courts should warrants of arrest or court orders be issued. The police officers involved are currently under restrictive custody in Camp Crame. -- BAP, GMA News