The Philippine Army (PA) has coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) after three of its active personnel were tagged in a shooting spree in Taguig City on Christmas Day which resulted in the wounding of six civilians.
“The personnel under investigation are already in the custody of the PNP. The Philippine Army is collaborating with the PNP on their investigation of the incident and will cooperate in any legal actions that may be taken against the suspects,” Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Army spokesperson, said in a statement on Sunday night, Dec. 26.
According to a police report, three Army soldiers were arrested by personnel of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) after they were allegedly involved in a shooting incident along C5 Service Road in Wildcat Village, Brgy. Pinagsama, Taguig City around 3 a.m. of Dec. 25.
The suspects were identified as Capt. Nheiljay Garcia, 31; Probationary 2nd Lt. Felomino Garcia, 30; and 1st Lt. Minalyn Awat Ladyong, 29.
Capt. Garcia is reportedly assigned at the Army Training and Doctrine Command in Capas, Tarlac; 2nd Lt. Garcia at the Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; and 1st Lt. Ladyong at the Army Signal Regiment also in Fort Bonifacio.
Police said the suspects were having a drinking session when the six victims, who are residents in the area, allegedly threw stones at them.
The soldiers got irked and allegedly fired their rifle as they chased the victims identified as Edsel Polo, 28; JD Navales, 24; John Carl Sabino, 18; and three other male minors aged 17, 16, and 14.
The Army spokesperson said they have also conducted an internal investigation to determine whether or not the suspects will be slapped with administrative charges.
“We assure the public that the Philippine Army does not condone any violation of laws or regulations of our personnel. We expect high standards of military discipline and values to all our personnel, hence if proven guilty appropriate sanctions shall be meted against them,” Trinidad said.