Soldier dies after gun goes off during scuffle with girl in hotel room

TACLOBAN CITY—A soldier was shot and killed allegedly by an 18-year-old girl during a fight with her in a hotel room in Catbalogan City, Samar province on Sunday (July 7).

Regional police on Monday (July 8) said the soldier, Pfc Camelo Batoctoy, 31, of the 8th Infantry Division, was shot by Sheila de la Cruz apparently during a scuffle inside the hotel.

The two met at a bar, according to police.

Batoctoy and De la Cruz checked in at a hotel around 3 a.m. Some three hours later, De la Cruz asked the soldier to be allowed to leave the hotel and go home.

But police said Batoctoy refused to let De la Cruz go and drew his gun to threaten the girl, leading to the fight.

The gun went off and a bullet hit Batoctoy in the face. De la Cruz panicked and ran out of the room, pleading for help from hotel staff.

Hotel employees called police, which sent a team to the hotel. De la Cruz is now being held at the Catbalogan police station for investigation and questioning.  (Editor: Tony Bergonia)