The nine policemen accused of killing four military intelligence operatives in Jolo, Sulu last July and kicked out of the service in connection with the shooting have been given nine days to appeal their dismissal.
But right now, Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the nine Jolo policemen are now considered as civilians since the dismissal order signed by PNP chief Police Gen. Debold Sinas was effected immediately.
“Technically, they can now be considered as civilians. Within 10 days (after the issuance of the order), we will release them from our custody,” said Usana.
The nine-day period to file a Motion for Reconsideration for the policemen is part of the due process being implemented in the PNP for all administrative cases where accused PNP personnel are found guilty of the charges leveled against them.
The administrative charges filed against the nine cops are in connection with the killing of Major Marvin A. Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin B. Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime M. Velasco, 38; and Cpl. Abdal Asula, 33.
Usana said they are now awaiting the action of the National Bureau of Investigation regarding the criminal cases it is handling against the nine policemen.
“Since they are no longer considered as members of the PNP, they can now go home to their families while waiting for the result of the criminal case. Within 10 days, we will release them from our custody,” he said.
DISMISSAL WELCOMED
The Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hailed the dismissal of the nine policemen.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay both considered the removal from service of the nine police personnel as a welcome development in the case.
"However, we also sympathize with the families of these nine dismissed policemen who are facing long jail terms. Their families are as much a victim of the incident as the families of the soldiers who were killed," Lorenzana said.
While the dismissal serves as an administrative sanction, Gapay said that the AFP will support the families of the slain soldiers in their quest for the filing of criminal charges against the policemen.
"The AFP will monitor unceasingly the development in this case. We will ensure that justice is served for the hapless victims who were killed while in the actual performance of their solemn duty," he stated.
Lorenzana and Gapay also expressed optimism that the PNP will take prompt measures to prevent a repeat of the soldiers' killing at the hands of their uniformed brothers. (with a report from Martin Sadongdong)