PAF orders probe on Lipa shooting

Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog ordered a thorough investigation following a shooting incident that involved a PAF officer and a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) in Lipa City on Friday.

In initial reports reaching Cadungog, 2Lt. Eugiel Siba­yan who is assigned at the 740th combat group base in Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas under the 710th Special Operations Wing based in Clark Air Base in Pampanga reportedly shot dead Master Sergeant Cris­pulo Ilao who was a senior non-commissioned officer assigned at the Fer­nando Air Base Station Hospital in Batangas, after an altercation erupted between the two while at the kitchen room inside the house of Sibayan. 

At about 10 p.m. on Friday, after an argument, Ilao was found dead from a gunshot woune and believed shot by Sibayan using a .45 caliber pistol. 

Sibayan was arrested and brought to the PNP Headquarters in Lipa City. as investigation is ongoing to determine the motive of the alleged killing. Pending the issuance of formal charges against the officer, he will be under the custody of his immediate commanding officer.  

Air Force authorities conducted a separate investigation to establish the culpability of the assailant even as they assured the immediate family of the victim that the Command is willing to extend full cooperation for the immediate solution of the case. Cadungog said the officer will be subject to stringent PAF policies for offenders and will be meted punishment under existing laws if found guilty.   – Rudy Santos