PNP eyes transfer of Maguindanao del Norte shooting case to Manila

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo —File photo by Faith Argosino, INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Police Regional Office (PRO BAR)  is eyeing the possibility of transferring a shootout case involving police officers in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte to Metro Manila, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo.

Fajardo also disclosed that the two officers, who were suspected of having taken part in the shooting of Capt. Roland Moralde last May 2, was released from detention.

“They (PRO BAR) are studying the possibility to transfer the case here in Manila and at least at the regional level so we could at least secure a favorable decision with respect to the complaint affidavit that we filed against the two police suspects and three other suspect who remain at large as of this time,” Fajardo said in a press briefing.

She explained that the possible transfer was partly prompted by the information they received that the prosecutor assigned to the case might be a relative by affinity of the police suspects.

“It has to be validated, but then again, it is one of the considerations mentioned by the regional director of PRO BAR,” Fajardo said.

According to the PNP official, the two were released on May 8, and in response, the PRO-BAR has issued an order placing the suspects under restrictive custody in its holding unit.

Citing the PRO-BAR chief, Fajardo said the two officers committed to report to the headquarters of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police on Monday (May 13).

She explained that the two were ordered released by the prosecutor’s office since the complaint affidavit against them did not contain “necessary evidence to prove the essential elements of murder.”

Based on previous reports, Moralde died after sustaining gunshot wounds.

The two police officers surrendered to authorities and were initially charged with murder along with three other armed men who remain at large.