ILOILO City – A Philippine Army soldier was shot dead by his own colleague inside a military barracks at the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) headquarters in Camp General Macario Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz late Monday night, in an incident that has raised serious concerns over firearms handling and discipline within the camp.
Private First Class Wencel Jay Puntuan of Purok 2, Labpangi Libungan, Cotabato died from a gunshot wound to the head after he was allegedly shot by fellow soldier Private First Class Rosarjoe Manajero of Barangay Cabugao, Lambunao, Iloilo at around 11:40 p.m., authorities said. Both were assigned under the Operation Control Unit of the 3ID.
Initial investigation showed that the two soldiers, along with other colleagues, had been drinking at their mess hall before heading back to their barracks. Puntuan reportedly accompanied Manajero to the latter’s quarters. Moments later, gunshots rang out.
When fellow soldiers rushed to check, they found Puntuan lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators recovered a Remington R4 assault rifle from Manajero, who is now under Army custody. Authorities said the firearm had been discharged 15 times.
3ID commander Major General Michael Samson said a full probe is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, describing it as an isolated case.
“An investigation is on going fight now are we are saddened of what happened,” Samson said.
Samson added that there was no reported commotion or misunderstanding between the two soldiers prior to the incident, raising the possibility that the victim may have been accidentally hit when the suspect fired his weapon.
The Army has yet to release further details as the investigation continues.
