Kin, townmates cry justice for slain Kalinga soldier

BAGUIO CITY—Relatives and townmates of Maj. Marvin Indammog, who was among the four soldiers killed in a supposed encounter with policemen in Jolo, Sulu, on Monday, are seeking justice for what the Army described as “unprovoked carnage” and “murder.”

Indammog, who hailed from Tanudan, Kalinga province, was the commanding officer of the Army’s 9th Intelligence Service Unit in Sulu.

The Tanudan police on Wednesday had extended their condolences to Indammog’s family and relatives, assuring them that they would support the ongoing investigation of the incident.

“This office does not tolerate any lapses on behalf of the [Philippine National Police] members involved. May God give you the justice and peace that you seek,” the town police said in a Facebook post.

PMA graduatesIndammog’s relatives and friends took to social media to seek justice for his death and to pay tribute to a “battle-tested” and “full-blooded Igorot warrior.”

“May swift justice be served to the fallen soldiers. May their souls rest in peace,” one Facebook post said.The wakes for Indammog, Capt. Irwin Managuelod and Sgt. Jaime Velasco are being held in Metro Manila. Indammog and Managuelod both graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Indammog was a member of “Mandala” Class of 2006 while Managuelod was a member of “Masiglahi” Class of 2009.

The remains of Cpl. Abdal Asula were laid to rest in Jolo following the Muslim tradition of burying the dead within 24 hours.

The four soldiers were shot and killed by police officers about 50 meters from the Jolo police station. The Western Mindanao Command has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to intervene and conduct a third party probe of the incident.

Army officials said the four soldiers were intelligence officers who were tracking two suspected foreign suicide bombers believed to be connected with local Abu Sayyaf when their vehicle was flagged down at a police checkpoint in Jolo. The police said the killing was a result of a “misencounter.” —WITH A REPORT FROM KARLSTON LAPNITEN