At least 6 killed, 9 wounded after Army corporal runs amok in Basilan camp

At least six soldiers were killed and nine were wounded after an Army corporal ran amok in an army camp in Sumisip, Basilan around 8:45 a.m. on Thursday.

Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said that two of the fatalities are junior officers. Of the wounded, seven are enlisted personnel, one is an officer and another is a civilian.

The army corporal, identified as Corporal Tahiruddin Taha, is a gunner of the mortar section of the 64th Infantry Battalion. He was killed by the responding teams during the incident.

The victims were brought to Isabela City where they will be airlifted to Zamboanga City.

Taha reportedly volunteered to replace the soldier guard on duty. However, the guard told him his duty was still at 12 noon.

“So instead, Taja told the guard on duty that he will return to the barracks and wash his clothes. A few minutes later he returned with an M16 rifle,” Hao said.

Taja, all of a sudden, fired at a group of about to 20 to 30 soldiers having bible study at the nearby multi-purpose hall.

Four soldiers were immediately killed while two died in the hospital.

“Based on the information, Taja just came from vacation. He was unusually quiet during an activity in the battalion,” Hao said.

Taja, 37, was an integree and has been in service for 12 years. He hails from Indanan, Sulu.

The soldiers who were killed were: First Lieutenant Camlon Martin Puao, Second Lieutenant  Alvin Ebina, Staff Sergeant Jonathan Galicto, Corporal Robert Jondayran, Private First Class Jessrell Calud.

Those wounded were: First Lieutenant Pada Guingar, Technical Sergeant Jerry Cardoza, Sergeant Anthony Bentoy, Private First Class Elber Noble, Privates First Class Ruel Macapalay, Nelson Calambro, Junnel Cajote, Remie Espanola and Pastor Rolly Matson.

The 64th IB is conducting an investigation on the incident.

“We have alerted a team of doctors and psychologists in Basilan to conduct medical and psychological intervention….[In] times like these, we provide psychological support for the soldiers,” Hao said.

The Army spokesperson said that they believe it is an “isolated incident.”

“We will look closer into its medical and psychological aspect in order to determine the cause. The Philippine Army is going to provide necessary assistance to the families of the victims,” he said.