PNP to look into deaths of 3 Sultan Kudarat minors in 'shootout' with cops

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will look into the deaths of three minors in an alleged shootout with policemen in Sultan Kudarat last week, PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Monday.

In a press briefing, Azurin said the "motu propio" (on one's own initiative) investigation will be conducted by the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the PNP.

“Motu propio naman yun. In those cases, papasok ang IAS to conduct investigation if there were lapses on the part of the PNP and definitely 'yung mga kasamahan natin na PNP na kasama doon they will be investigated,” Azurin said.

(It will be motu proprio. In cases like that, the IAS will conduct an investigation to see if there were lapses on the part of the PNP, and definitely PNP personnel who were involved will be investigated.)

He made the statement when asked about the appeal of the families of the deceased teenagers to investigate the incident.

According to a report from Police Regional Office 12, the three suspects aboard a motorcycle ignored a police checkpoint in Barangay Didtaras in Lambayong town early morning on December 1.

Lambayong Police chased the suspects, who crashed and allegedly fired at the authorities. According to the PRO12, the police were prompted to return fire.

Theminors were brought to Evangelista Medical Clinic and Hospital for medical treatment but they were pronounced dead on arrival, the police said.

Recovered from the suspects were two Colt caliber 45 pistols, a hand grenade, pieces of live ammunition, a Suzuki Raider 150, and plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, according to the police.

Azurin said the police are investigating the "true identities" of the suspects, who he said were are not “ordinary” teenagers. —KBK, GMA Integrated News