CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A soldier went berserk and opened fire at his colleagues at the 4th Infantry Division (ID) headquarters in this city yesterday, leaving five persons, including the gunman, dead.
Pvt. Joseph Tamayo, Pfc. Prince Kevin Balaba, Sgt. Rogelio Rojo and Cpl. Bernardo Rodrigo were killed in the shooting.
Pvt. Johma Villabito, who was armed with an M16 rifle, was killed when he barged into the room of two other soldiers.
Pvt. Mark Anthony Aguined and Pfc. Josiah Estrada reportedly scuffled with the suspect. Aguined managed to disarm and shot Villabito.
S/Sgt. Braulio Macalos, who was wounded, has been declared out of danger in a military hospital.
Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., 4th ID spokesman, said the victims were sleeping at the barracks of the Service Support Battalion unit when the incident occurred.
An investigating panel was created to probe the incident. – Jose Rodel Clapano