Soldier killed in shooting at Army camp

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

A Philippine Army soldier died following an alleged indiscriminate firing shortly before midnight on Feb. 9 at an Army camp in Jamindan, Capiz.

The shooting occurred at about 11:30 p.m. Monday inside the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Division at Camp Gen. Macario Peralta in Jamindan.

Both the victim and the suspect held the rank of private first class and were members of the 6th Cavalry (Paghiliugyon) Company under the Armor “Pambato” Division.

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

The suspect was identified as 32-year-old PFC Rosarjoe Manajero, a resident of Barangay Tabontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, who was temporarily residing in Barangay Cabugao, Lambunao, Iloilo.

Police said the motive for the shooting 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 earlier been drinking with several others at one of the camp’s mess halls.

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

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

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

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

Authorities said Sgt. Jary Repaso immediately restrained and arrested the suspect.

Manajero was turned over to responding police 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.

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 confirmed that a shooting incident occurred inside its headquarters.

The division said an initial investigation showed that both the victim and the suspect were under the influence of alcohol.

The statement 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, 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 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 added that it is fully cooperating with civil authorities to ensure justice and accountability while conducting its own internal investigation.

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

“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 said.