Soldier guns down soldier in Compostela Valley
TAGUM CITY, Philippines — A soldier died after being shot by one of two suspects, including another soldier, in Maragusan town, Compostela Valley on Monday, authorities on Tuesday said.
Investigators are determining the motive behind the killing of Cpl. Jomar Paatan, said Senior Supt. Albert Ignatius Ferro, Compostela Valley police chief.
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The 33-year old Paatan, of the Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion in Poblacion village, was walking with Pvt. Joner Bern Cadion along Rizal St., Poblacion, when the shooting occurred at about 12:30 a.m., Ferro said.
The duo had just bought “balut” (boiled duck eggs), Ferro added.
The suspects, identified as Pfc. Gilbert John Cinco, of Pantukan town, and his civilian companion Roger Pepito, came from the opposite direction and allegedly “accosted the 69th IB troopers,” police said.
One of the suspects “drew a cal. 45 pistol and shot Paatan thrice,” Ferro said.
The official could not say if the suspect also belonged to the 69th IB.
The suspects have been turned over by the 69th IB to the Maragusan police station for the filing of charges.
The military’s 10th Infantry Battalion has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
