DOJ exec: Probe of police shooting of soldiers in Jolo may be wrapped up this month

The Department of Justice's investigation of the criminal complaints on the police shooting of four military men in Jolo may wrap up this month, an official said Thursday.

The case will be submitted for resolution this month "barring any extensions and any unforeseen causes for delay," said Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon.

He said the police officers accused of murder and planting of evidence submitted their counter-affidavits just "a little over a week ago." The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may still file a reply, and the police officers a rejoinder, before the case is submitted for resolution.

Last July, the NBI filed complaints for four counts of murder and one count of planting of evidence against nine police officers over the killing of four soldiers in Jolo.

The Army men were tracking alleged suicide bombers on June 29 when they were flagged down by police in Barangay Walled City and told to go to the police station for a verification of their identities.

Police said they were prompted to shoot when the soldiers escaped and pointed their weapons at the officers. The Army chief at the time said his soldiers never fired.

Major Marvin Indamog, Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sergeant Eric Velasco, and Corporal Abdal Asula died in the incident.

Aside from the nine officers, the NBI filed complaints for neglect of duty against the police chiefs of Jolo and Sulu, and the province's provincial drugs enforcement unit chief.

Now that a complaint has been filed before the DOJ, prosecutors will determine whether there is basis to file charges against the police officers in court. — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News