Soldier runs amok, kills 4 in Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A soldier ran amok and shot four of his fellow soldiers dead inside the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Barangay Patag here early Saturday.
Police identified the fatalities as Private Joseph Tamayo, Patrolman First Class Prince Kevin Balaba, Sgt. Rogelio Rojo, Cpl. Bernardo Rodrigo, as well as the suspected shooter, Private Johmar Villabito.
Another soldier identified as Staff Sgt. Braulio Macalos Jr. was also wounded in the shooting but is now out of danger.
Initial reports said Villabito “shot the victims without any apparent and justifiable reason using an M16”. The incident happened at around 1:10 a.m. when the victims were asleep inside their barracks at the Service Support Battalion (SSBN) unit.
A certain Pvt. Mark Anthony Aguined and Pfc Joseph Estrada engaged the suspect and shot him dead, said Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., 4ID spokesperson.
Garello said the suspect initially attacked his roommate and went to five other rooms and started shooting.
The 4ID is still currently gathering other information from the witnesses to establish the motive of the shooting. Philippine News Agency
