The Philippine National Police will form a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to probe the killing of the provincial police chief of Sulu by a subordinate.
“The SITG will be formed together with representatives from the crime laboratory, the Regional Investigation and Detection Group of BARMM, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Olay said.
The victim, Col. Michael Bawayan Jr., was shot dead at a quarantine control checkpoint Friday afternoon by Staff Sgt. Imran Jilah.
Bawayan was reportedly conducting a routine check when he reprimanded Jilah for his long hair.
When the victim tried to cut Jilah’s hair, the latter opened fire at the police chief. Bawayan’s security detail fired back, killing Jilah on the spot.
Bangsamoro Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale said the incident was “isolated.”
“The tragic loss of Sulu Police Provincial Director, Police Colonel Michael Bawayan Jr., is undeniably heartbreaking to the entire police force,” he said.
“We consider this as an isolated incident,” Ugale said.