After 6 killed in Xmas shooting incident

NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Major General Vicente D. Danao Jr. yesterday called anew on law enforcement authorities and licensed gunholders to keep their temper in check, avoid overdrinking and don’t use their weapons to threaten others this yuletide season.

“Muli, tayo ay nakikiusap sa publiko ganun din sa iba pa nating kasama na nasa uniformed service at mga iba pang civilian holders ng baril. Maging kalmado tayo at huwag uminit ang ulo at hayaang umepekto ang alak upang mapanakit tayo ng iba,” said Danao.

Danao made the appeal amid a shooting incident in Taguig City on Christmas Day that left six persons wounded. Three Army soldiers were arrested in the aftermath of the incident.

“Hindi dahil may baril ka ay passport ninyo na po yan to indiscriminately fire your firearms and/or to illegally discharge your firearms. Magkagayunman, the incident is already being handled by our in investigators in Taguig to ferret out the truth, to establish and validate the facts of the case. Nonetheless, please be assured that this will be handled without fear or favor,” said Danao.

The NCRPO has been ordered by Philippine National Police chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos to fully coordinate their investigation of the three Army men with the Philippine Army leadership. The Army assured full cooperation with the probe and will file administrative charges against the accused who are also facing a string of criminal charges.

The three identified Army Captain Nheiljay Maguddayao Garcia, 31; Probationary 2ndLieutenant Felomino Maguddayao Garcia, 30; and 1st Lt. Minalyn Awat Ladyong, 29, were arrested by responding officers from the Taguig City Police Station and subjected to standard criminal investigation.

Initial investigation showed the suspects were having a small Christmas celebration in Barangay Pinagsama when they were allegedly pelted with stones by a group of men prompting them to shoot at the group with an M-16 automatic rifle.

Wounded in the shooting were Edsel Polo, 28; JD U Navales,24; John Carl Sabino,18; and three minors aged 17, 16 and 14. They were rushed to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

“The PNP immediately informed the AFP regarding the incident so proper course of action can be taken by our counterparts in the military,” Carlos said.

The top cop assured an impartial investigation of the case based on testimonies of both sides to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident which took place at C-5 Service Road in Wildcat Village, Barangay Pinagsama in Taguig City around 3 a.m. last Christmas Day.

Garcia was found to be assigned at the Army Command and Control Training and Doctrine Command based in Capaz, Tarlac while 2Lt. Garcia is with the Army’s Headquarters Support Group in Fort Bonifacio.

1Lt. Ladyong is assigned at the Army Signal Regiment in Ft. Bonifacio.