MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police chief Archie Gamboa said the nation’s police force is open to the possible filing of cases against the police officers involved in the fatal shooting of four soldiers in Jolo, Sulu.
“The PNP together with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) are both open to the investigation and my request for the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) is an impartial investigation so that the truth would come out and readily whatever would be the findings of the NBI the PNP and the AFP will together embrace whatever the recommendations,” Gamboa told reporters in Parañaque City when asked about his reaction on the Jolo misencounter.
“If ever there are charges that would be filed then the PNP will always be open to it,” Gamboa added.
On Monday afternoon, four soldiers were some 50 meters from the Jolo police station when police officers shot them dead. The Western Mindanao Command requested the NBI to launch a probe into the killing of the four soldiers.
Gamboa said nine police officers were involved in the misencounter. They are now under the custody of the Sulu police provincial director.
“At any time that their (nine policemen) presence or their affidavits may be taken, we are always open to that,” he said.
The PNP chief said he will be meeting with AFP chief of staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. to show that they will continue to coordinate with leading security forces in the country.
“It’s an isolated case and the PNP together with the AFP still continues to enjoy the confidence between each other. I hope that will clarify things,” Gamboa said.