SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday welcomed the filing of administrative charges against the nine police officers who gunned down four military operatives at a checkpoint in Jolo, Sulu, last June 29.
At the same time, Hontiveros reiterated her call for the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership to relieve the entire Jolo, Sulu police force as authorities delve deeper into their involvement in the shooting of four soldiers.
“We welcome the filing of administrative charges against the Philippine National Police (PNP) officers linked to the murder of four Philippine Army operatives last June 29, 2020 as an important step forward in achieving justice not only for the fallen soldiers, but also for the 14 people killed in the twin bombing incidents in Jolo last August 24,” Hontiveros said.
“Authorities investigating these two incidents should be provided a free rein so they could conduct an impartial, comprehensive, and independent investigation,” she added.
“This is why I continue to call on the PNP leadership to temporarily relieve the entire Jolo, Sulu police force,” the senator further said.
The lady solon explained that the four military intelligence operatives were tracking two female suicide bombers whom authorities later said allegedly carried out the deadly explosions in Jolo last August.
“Malalim ang koneksyon ng dalawang insidente na ito. Kailangan ang kumpleto at walang cover-up na imbestigasyon para malaman natin kung ano ang nangyari, sino ang may pakana, at mapigilan ang ganyang klaseng karahasan sa hinaharap” she said.
“I urge the PNP to undertake all necessary measures that will build back public confidence in our national police force after such a troubling event,” Hontiveros added.
