Soldier wounded after being shot by militiaman in Samar

ORMOC CITY, Philippines – A soldier was shot and wounded by a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Barangay 5, Calbiga town, Samar at past 4 a.m. on Wednesday.

Private Anthon Balledo, 24, and a member of the 63rd Infantry Battalion based at San Jorge, Samar, sustained a gunshot wound at the back of his head but is now in stable condition at a hospital in Tacloban City.

The suspect identified as Nelso Ocasla, 23, was arrested after a pursuit operation conducted by the police after the shooting.  Police said Cañete is a member of a Cafgu unit based in Pinagbacdao town, Samar.

Senior Insp. Michael Ray Cañete, Calbiga police chief said Balledo and his friends were on their way home after attending a benefit dance at Barangay 5 in Calbiga town when he was shot twice at close range by Ocasla who was armed with a caliber .45 pistol.

Police said Ocalsa was arrested in Barangay Botoc, Pinagbacdao. According to police, Ocasla, who appeared to be drunk, did not resist arrest.

Ocasla is now detained at the Calbiga police headquarters as charges are being readied against him.  /muf