TACLOBAN CITY — Two bystanders were injured after a member of the Philippine Army allegedly fired several shots during an altercation along a road in Catbalogan City on Tuesday evening, July 21.
The 31-year-old suspect, identified only by the alias “Tep,” was arrested after residents subdued him and turned him over to responding police officers.
The incident occurred at around 6 p.m. along Diversion Road in Purok 1, Barangay 13, according to a police report.
Police said the suspect, a resident of Motiong, Samar, arrived at the area aboard a motorcycle and was allegedly under the influence of liquor.
The altercation reportedly began when the intended target, a 26-year-old construction worker identified as “Jim,” asked the suspect to properly park his motorcycle.
The suspect allegedly became angry, drew a firearm and fired three shots at “Jim,” but missed.
Police said “Jim” fought back and punched the suspect, causing him to fall. As the suspect fled, he allegedly fired two more shots toward the construction worker but again failed to hit him.
The shooting stopped after the sister of the intended target intervened and urged the suspect to cease firing.
The suspect later wandered around the area before being subdued and restrained by bystanders.
Two other residents—a 19-year-old construction worker identified as “Ray” and a 58-year-old laborer identified as “Rod”—were hit by stray bullets during the incident.
The two injured victims were rushed to Samar Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
Personnel of the Catbalogan City Police Station, the Regional Scene of the Crime Operatives Unit 8 and the Police Intelligence Unit of the Samar Police Provincial Office responded to the scene and took custody of the suspect after he was turned over by residents.
Scene of the Crime Operatives personnel were also requested to process the area and collect evidence related to the shooting.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to face appropriate criminal charges in connection with the incident.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
