Soldier kills unarmed man in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY –– A soldier shot dead an unarmed 70-year-old man on Malingin Island in Bien Unido town, Bohol on Sunday afternoon.

Leopoldo Justiniane Saligan suffered multiple bullet wounds on the body after he was gunned down by Corporal Reymund Casiple, according to Police Staff Sergeant Romelito Avenido.

Witnesses said Saligan was with his nephews and nieces and was talking about his experiences during his stint as a member of the Philippine Constabulary.

Casiple, a member of the 47th Infantry Battalion, who was deployed on Malingin Island to strictly implement health protocols, allegedly interrupted their conversation.

“He suddenly came and was so mad. He thought we were talking about him,” Metchelle Concon, the victim’s niece, told the Inquirer.

She said the soldier appeared to be drunk.

Saligan tried to convince Casiple that he was not the subject of the talk, but the soldier allegedly drew his. 45 pistol and shot the victim multiple times.

Casiple voluntarily surrendered to the village chief and handed over his firearm. He was detained at the Bien Unido police station pending the filing of charges against him.

Saligan’s daughter Marie said it was painful that her father was killed by a person who was supposed to protect their lives.

“Our father loved us very much, and yet you killed him. Corporal Raymond Casiple, where was your promise to serve and protect the people?” she said in a Facebook post.

The suspect and the 47th IB have not released any statements yet.

LZB