Soldier kills drinking buddies inside Cotabato military camp

COTABATO CITY - Two persons were killed after a soldier went on a shooting rampage inside a military camp in this city on Sunday.

Capt. Joan Petinglay, civil affairs chief of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the suspect identified as Pfc. Ian Murillo, is now in the custody of his superiors in the 6th Civil Military Operations Battalion, awaiting court martial proceedings.

A drunken Murillo shot dead Staff Sgt. Eduardo Mutia and a civilian named Barak Estina inside their battalion camp at P.C. Hill at the city proper, following a heated argument with the victims.

Murillo was drinking with Mutia and Estina before the shooting frenzy. Other soldiers overheard the suspect and Mutia argue over something before automatic rifle bursts reverberated through their camp.

Mutia and Estina both died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Petinglay said Estina was at the Army camp as Mutia's visitor.

Petinglay said Murillo immediately yielded to 6th CMO battalion officials after the incident and turned in the assault rifle he used in the attack.

“The commander of the 6th ID, Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, wants this soldier prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He will be subjected to court martial proceedings,” Petinglay said.

Petinglay said Army investigators are expected to file corresponding charges against Murillo before a military court within the week.