Murder case filed vs soldier in Camp Peralta shooting

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police on Thursday, Feb. 12, filed a murder case against a soldier accused of shooting and killing a fellow soldier Monday night, Feb. 9, inside Camp General Macario Peralta, headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, in Jamindan.

Police said PFC Rosarjoe L. Manajero, 32, of Tabontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, and temporarily residing in Barangay Cabugao, Lambunao, Iloilo, was charged before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Authorities identified the victim as PFC Wencel Jay Puntuan of Purok 2, Barangay Labpangi, Libungan, Cotabato.

Puntuan’s remains lie at the 3rd Infantry Division chapel in Jamindan, police said.

In a press statement issued Wednesday, Feb. 11, the 3rd Infantry Division confirmed the incident and said immediate action was taken to secure the area, provide medical assistance, and place the suspect in custody.

“The leadership of the 3rd Infantry Division emphasizes that this is an isolated incident and is not reflective of the discipline and professionalism of its soldiers,” the statement said.

“The Division will not tolerate such behavior and is fully cooperating with authorities to guarantee that justice is served,” the statement said.

The division said it is conducting a parallel investigation to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.

“The command remains committed to maintaining discipline, order and the safety of all soldiers and personnel within Camp Peralta and other military installations under its jurisdiction,” it added.

Police said the motive has not been fully established.

Jamindan police Chief Capt. Jaypee Silvestre said authorities learned of the incident after receiving a call from another enlisted personnel reporting the shooting.

Silvestre said Puntuan and Manajero had been drinking with several others at one of the camp’s mess halls.

Police said the victim, the suspect, and another soldier later returned to their barracks.

Investigators said Manajero entered their sleeping quarters while Puntuan remained outside.

Moments later, police said a burst of gunfire was heard in the barracks area.

Puntuan was found slumped on the pavement with a gunshot wound to the head, police said.

Authorities said Sgt. Jary Repaso immediately restrained and arrested Manajero.

Police said Manajero was turned over to responding officers.

Police recovered a Remington 5.56 mm Armalite rifle, 15 empty shell casings, and one live round of ammunition from the scene.

Puntuan was rushed to the Camp Gen. Macario Peralta Hospital but was declared dead on arrival, police said.

Silvestre said there was no indication of any prior conflict between the victim and the suspect.

“We saw drunkenness as the motive of the incident. In fact, the suspect was talking incoherently when we arrested him,” Silvestre said.

In a separate statement, the 3rd Infantry Division said an initial investigation showed both the victim and the suspect were under the influence of alcohol.

The division said Manajero had earlier been told to rest in his room at the Junior Noncommissioned Officers Barracks and was accompanied by two members of the 6th Cavalry Company, including Puntuan.

Moments later, the division said, Manajero reportedly emerged carrying his issued rifle and fired multiple shots within the vicinity of the barracks.

Responding personnel later found Puntuan with a gunshot wound to the head, the division said.

The 3rd Infantry Division reiterated that drinking alcoholic beverages inside camp premises is strictly prohibited.