Soldier probed for shooting Bulacan hog dealer

Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino has ordered an investigation into the alleged involvement of a soldier in the shooting of a hog dealer in Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Maj. Ernesto Torres, Army spokesman, said Tolentino ordered the Army Inspector General to look into the matter after S/Sgt. Mario de la Cruz, who belongs to the Special Operations Team, was accused of shooting a hog dealer in Barangay San Pascual last Sunday.

Reports said the hog dealer, Juan Galvez, was riding his motorcycle when De la Cruz flagged him down.

But instead of stopping, Galvez sped away, prompting De la Cruz to fire a warning shot.

De la Cruz reportedly fired a second shot at the motorcycle’s tires but instead hit Galvez in the buttocks. He is now confined in a hospital.

De la Cruz immediately surrendered to his detachment commander after the incident.

Torres said Tolentino has given assurance that if found guilty, De la Cruz would be meted disciplinary action.

Tolentino said soldiers with unruly behavior have no place in the Army, adding that military personnel must be discerning and professional in performing their duties to prevent such incidents. — James Mananghaya