Police arrest soldier who gunned down fellow soldier in Tagum City

Shooting stock image. INQUIRER FILES

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Police have arrested a soldier for allegedly shooting to death a fellow trooper here on Friday night, authorities said Saturday.

Acting Tagum city police chief Lt. Col. Jeffrey Latayada said the suspect, identified as Cpl. Reibong Medalla, was apprehended following a hot pursuit after gunning down Jayson Cawayan, a resident of Montevista town, Davao de Oro.

Police investigation revealed that the incident happened along a road at Purok Santol, Barangay La Filipina at around 9:30 p.m.

Latayada said the victim, reportedly a member of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, was riding a motorcycle together with a female companion, when he was shot by the suspect who was also on a motorcycle driven by another person.

The 34-year-old victim died upon arrival at a local hospital. His female companion was unharmed.

Latayada said Medalla was arrested by police in coordination with military personnel near an Army camp and is now under police custody.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, 10th ID spokesperson, confirmed that the victim was a member of the Army division based in Mawab, Davao de Oro, adding he could not ascertain yet as to the identity of the suspect.

RELATED STORIES

Soldier kills 4 comrades before being shot dead at Army camp

Soldier shot dead by comrade in Camarines Sur Army camp; suspect kills self

Army soldier kills pal during drinking session in Cagayan town