Soldier kills 5 comrades in Basilan shooting rampage

APhilippine Army (PA) corporal went into a shooting rampage during a Bible study inside a military camp in Basilan and killed five comrades, including two junior officers.

Eight soldiers and a civilian were wounded.

Col. Benjie Hao, PA spokesman, said that the suspect, Tahiruddinn Taha, assigned as a gunner of the Mortar section of the 64th Infantry Battalion, was shot dead by responding military personnel inside the camp in Sumisip town.

The fatalities were identified as 1Lt. Camlon Puao, 2Lt. Alvin Ebina, Corporal Robert Jondayran, Private First Class Jessrell Calud and Staff Sergeant Jonathan Galicto.

Wounded were 1Lt Pada Guingar, Technical Sergeant Jerry Cardoza, Sergeant Anthony Bentoy, Privates First Class Elber Noble, Ruel Macalapay, Nelson Calambro, Junnel Cajote, Remie Espanola Jar and Pastor Rolly Matson.

“The gunman had just come back from a vacation. After his return, his companions noticed that he had always been silent which is in contrast to his jolly personality before,” said Hao.

Quoting field reports, Hao said that there was a Bible study inside the camp at around 8:30 a.m. yesterday when the gunshots were heard.

Ten wounded soldiers were initially given medical attention, but eventually expired. The remaining wounded victims were transported to Isabela City for airlifting to a military hospital in Zamboanga City.

The military camp where the shooting broke out houses some 100 soldiers belonging to the Bravo Company o the 64thInfantry Battalion.

“We believe it is an isolated incident but we will look closer into its medical and psychological aspect in order to determine the root cause,” said Hao.