PNP chief says Jolo incident will not affect PNP-AFP relations
MANILA – The chief of the Philippine National Police General Archie Gamboa said the PNP’s professional relationship with the Armed Forces of the Philippines will not be affected by the fatal shooting incident in Jolo last Monday which resulted in the death of two Army officers and two enlisted personnel.
In a statement released by the PNP mentioned General Gamboa was seated with AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos, Jr. at the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) meeting when he said their relationship is “founded on a long-shared history of cooperation and brotherhood.” He added they are interoperable in the field because they share the same roots and are fighting a common enemy.
Gamboa appealed for calm in the midst of speculation and misrepresentation of facts, some possible done on purpose “that tend to erode the police-military unity by driving a wedge between the Sulu PNP and the 11thInfantry Division of the Philippine Army.”
The nine Police Non-Commissioned Officers involved in the incident have been restricted to quarters at the Sulu Provincial Police Office to ensure their availability to face investigation.
The police elements led by one Police Senior Master Sergeant Abdelzhimar H. Padjiri all belong to the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit in Sulu.
He said they are committed to determine the truth and will support and abide by the findings and recommendations of the National Bureau of Investigation.
He concluded he has faith in the competence and professionalism of the NBI to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
“Let the axe fall where it may for the sake of truth and justice,” Gamboa concluded. (Melo M. Acuña)
Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa. (PNP Website photo)
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