9 cops in Sulu shooting incident face NBI probe, invoke right to remain silent

The nine policemen implicated in the June 29 Sulu shooting incident that left four Philippine Army soldiers dead faced a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probe on Wednesday but invoked their right to remain silent.

Clad in green camouflage uniform and blue bullcap, the nine members of the Jolo Police were brought from Camp Crame in Quezon City to the NBI headquarters in Manila for the investigation.

Through their lawyers, the nine police officers invoked their right to remain silent and did not submit any written affidavit regarding the incident.

Lawyer Antonio Pagatpat, NBI deputy director for regional offices, said they respect the decision of the members of Jolo Police since this is part of their constitutional right.

Because of this, the NBI will be constrained to make their recommendations without the side of the nine policemen.

Pagatpat said the officers will submit their affidavits to prosecutors if the NBI decides to file a complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

He also said that though the officers chose not to give a statement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assisted the bureau in its investigation. 

Moises Tamayo, NBI regional director for Western Mindanao Regional Office, said they already have the sworn affidavits of 11 witnesses but they are still waiting for one more to come forward who may hold important information regarding the shooting incident.

NBI Director Eric Distor said they intend to submit their final report and recommendation to the DOJ this coming Friday based on testimonial evidence and the result of the ballistic and forensic tests conducted during the probe.

"The NBI assures everyone that we will finish this thorough and impartial investigation," he told reporters. 

The NBI earlier said their forensic examination showed one soldier suffered eight gunshot wounds, and that three gunshot wounds were found on the other two. The fourth soldier was immediately buried in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said the bullet wounds were found mostly on the soldiers' backs. 

The soldiers were on official mission tracking alleged suicide bombers when they were flagged down by police in Barangay Walled City. Despite identifying themselves as members of the military, they were told to go to the police station for further verification of their identities.

According to a police report, the cops fired at the soldiers when the latter, who allegedly escaped, pointed their weapons at the officers.

Claiming the soldiers never fired, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay said the incident was murder. The PNP calls it a "shooting incident," though initially referred to it as a "misencounter."

A complaint filed before the DOJ will be investigated by prosecutors, who will determine whether or not to file charges against the respondents in court. —With a report from Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK/KG, GMA News