2 soldiers gunned down on way to market in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY – Two unidentified gunmen shot dead two soldiers near the public market of Buldon town in Maguindanao on Monday night, police said Wednesday.

Inspector Sarico Akmad, Buldon police chief, identified the slain troopers as Corporal Nerger Pinero of Libungan, North Cotabato, and Private First Class Jamalil Bolaybolay of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.

He said the two soldiers, both members of the Bravo Company of the 37th Infantry Battalion, were heading toward the public market at past 6 p.m. for marketing when the perpetrators, aged between 18-20 years old, opened fire using cal. 45 pistols.

Bolaybolay, who was unarmed, tried to grab the M-16 assault rifle from Pinero, who was fatally hit, was also shot in the head and body.

The attackers then fled with the M-16 rifle as he and Bolaybolay lay on the pavement.

Civilians rushed the two soldiers to a hospital in nearby Parang town but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Akmad said they believed that the attackers were after the soldier’s firearm.

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