ZAMBOANGA CITY –– The police forces here are calling for justice and a deeper investigation on the murder of Police Lt. Col. Walter Annayo, who was relieved from duty while facing charges for the killing of four Army intelligence officers in Sulu on June 29.
Personnel from various police stations and police organizations are demanding justice for the death of Annayo, who was shot and killed on Nov. 21 along Ramos Highway, Barangay Macabiso, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao.
“(We condemn) in the strongest possible words the gruesome killing of our classmate, PLCol. Walter Annayo. He was treacherously murdered by unidentified suspects,” said a statement from the PNP Lateral Entry Bagong Tanglaw Class of 2006.
“We cry for justice and call for an immediate investigation and resolution of the case so that the culprits will be held liable and justice is served,” says Police Lt. Col. Harold Aglipay, class president of the organization.
Police Colonel Michael Bawayan, Sulu provincial police director, said the death of Annayo was a “big loss to the PNP force.”
“He was a good police officer, one of the police officers who accomplished much, especially in crime and drug busting,” Bawayan said.
“When Annayo was relieved last July, following the reported shooting incident in Jolo town that left military agents killed, “he was never charged of any criminal case,” Bawayan said.
“He was administratively charged with neglect of duty, and at the time he was killed in Maguindanao, he was on schooling,” Bawayan said.
But Bawayan begged off from mentioning anything related to the progress of the murder cases filed against nine police officers.
Annayo, 41, who hailed from Baguio City, was chief of the Jolo municipal police station when four Army agents, namely Major Marvin Indammog, Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sergeant Jaime Velasco, and Corporal Abdal Asula were shot and killed on June 29, a few meters away from the station.
On July 2, he was relieved from his post, and along with nine other police personnel, was charged with four counts of murder.
Municipal police stations in Sulu posted candles on their Facebook pages, while others raised the flag at half staff to honor Annayo even as they demanded justice for his death.
Maimbung town Mayor Hja. Shihla Tan-Hayudini sent her condolences to the Annayo family and the entire police force.
“(His death) is a big loss,” Hayudini said. “Annayo served Maimbung. He was a strict enforcer and disciplined officer. We deeply appreciate his services and sacrifices. We expect the circumstances of his death to be thoroughly investigated in the name of justice,” she added.