Militiaman hunted after shooting colleague dead in North Cotabato

PIKIT, North Cotabato — Police launched a hunt against a militiaman, who reportedly shot dead a colleague in Barangay Ginatilan here on Thursday evening.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson, said Alberto Caburnay fled after shooting Esmail Tanto eight times with an M14 rifle past 8 p.m. inside their detachment.

Tanto died on the spot.

Caburnay and Tanto were members of the 31^stCivilian Armed Auxiliary assigned in Barangay Ginatilan.

Tayong said based on initial investigation, the suspect and the victim had argued prior to the incident. It was not clear what the argument was about.

Police said Tanto was watching television when Caburnay opened fire with the rifle. Caburnay then went home to Barangay Ladtingan before disappearing.

Murder charges have already been filed against Caburnay, police said.  / muf