Reports said Inspector George Torres, 49, and his companion, Edgar Basot, were inside the BMK videoke bar in the Laak town proper when six 60th IB men arrived along with a businessman, Jessie Manzures.
The soldiers reportedly had an argument with Torres, leading to the shooting.
Chief Superintendent Isidro Lapeña, Southern Mindanao police director, has ordered a thorough probe on the killing.
Laak leaders, meanwhile, have demanded the pullout of the 60th IB from their town. — Edith Regalado, Ben Serrano