A soldier allegedly went amuck and opened fire at his colleagues at the barracks of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City before dawn Saturday, Feb. 11.
Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., 4ID spokesperson, said the shooting incident occurred at the barracks of the Service Support Battalion (SSBn) around 1:10 a.m.
A report from the 4ID said the suspect shot dead four SSBn personnel using a government-issued M16 rifle while the victims were sleeping. He then proceeded to another barracks but two responding soldiers overpowered and grappled with the gun until the suspect was gunned down.
An undetermined number of soldiers were also hurt in the incident.
The identities of the suspect and the victims were withheld pending notice of their families, Garello said. The suspect had a rank of private while the victims had ranks of sergeant, corporal, private first class, and private.
Investigators conducted a probe to determine what pushed the suspect to shoot his colleagues.
“The 4ID is in the process of informing the families of the SSBn personnel who died during the incident as well as the family of the wounded personnel,” Garello said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, commander of 4ID, conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families of the victims.
A board of inquiry (BOI) was formed by the 4ID to closely coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to expedite the investigation.
“We vow close coordination with the PNP as we also conduct an internal prove that will look into all angles that triggered the incident,” Garello stated.
Meanwhile, Garello said the 4ID will extend all the necessary assistance to the families of the victims, including benefits and claims.
“We assure the public that this is an isolated incident. This will not have any impact the operations of SSBn,” he noted.