By Marie Tonette Marticio
TACLOBAN City - Seven persons were killed after a former soldier went on a shooting rampage in Calbayog City on Tuesday (May 19).
The suspect, who was afterwards shot dead by police authorities, was identified as Glenn Balonan, a former military man who allegedly got drunk, fired his handgun, and ran amok in Brgy. Gadgaran.
Initial investigation disclosed that Balonan indiscriminately fired at his neighbors and bystanders until he encountered responding authorities from Calbayog Police led by Lt. Col. Neil Montano, together with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and 1st Samar Mobile Force Company in a pursuit operation.
The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Balonan's victims were identified as Carlo Saldania, 28; Gary Saldania, 34; Jimmy Jadulco, 45; and Jalita Ramada, all residents of Brgy. Gadgaran; also Vicente Lozano, 66, a motorcab driver and resident of Brgy. Capoocan; and Leopoldo Galo, 64, a resident of Brgy. San Policarpo.
Also reported in critical condition were Humphrey Tacaldo, 54, a local government employee; and Janine Bareto, a salesperson. Both are under observation in a hospital in the city.
A follow-up investigation is being conducted by the authorities to determine the motive for the incident.