Army soldier arrested over gun-pointing incident

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — An active member of the Philippine Army was arrested by the Tapaz Municipal Police Station for allegedly pointing his gun at a fish vendor early Friday morning, May 22, in Barangay Switch, Tapaz, Capiz.

Police identified the victim as alias Rolin, 40, a resident of the village.

The suspect was identified as Francis John Jimenez Aguirre, 27, an Army soldier assigned to the 42nd Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, and also a resident of the village.

Information from the Tapaz police station indicated that Aguirre was on vacation in Tapaz to attend a barangay fiesta.

Police reports said the victim was able to subdue the suspect, take his sling bag and flee toward the Philippine National Police checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion.

The fish vendor sought police assistance and turned over the sling bag, which contained a .45-caliber pistol and two magazines loaded with eight live rounds of ammunition allegedly owned by the soldier.

Police immediately proceeded to the area and arrested Aguirre.

The suspect was released from police custody after the reglementary period lapsed.

Police said the incident was amicably settled by both parties.