By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Police arrested two suspects in a gun attack that wounded a 40-year-old soldier in Sitio Takas, Barangay Palampas, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on Monday.
Police Major Ronald Santillan, deputy chief of the San Carlos City Police Station, said the victim, a sergeant of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion based in Sagay City, was shot while riding a motorcycle on his way to buy medicine around noon.
The soldier sustained gunshot wounds to the back and buttocks. He is in stable condition but remains under observation at a hospital, Santillan said.
Police recovered three fired cartridges and a spent bullet from a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.
Authorities identified the suspects as “Jojo,” 31, and “Dondon,” 42, both residents of Calatrava town. They were arrested in a pursuit operation at an apartment in San Carlos City, aided by CCTV footage and the victim’s description.
During the arrest, police seized 162.67 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP1,106,156 and 2.47 grams of suspected marijuana worth PHP370.50.
Additional evidence was confiscated from the suspects. Jojo was found with a .45 caliber pistol, four magazines, 24 live rounds, a holster, PHP402 in cash, a helmet, and a sling bag. Dondon allegedly possessed a grenade, a KG 9 submachine gun, a magazine, a helmet, 15 sachets of suspected shabu, and a sachet of marijuana.
Santillan said the suspects had been staying in the apartment for nearly a month, possibly planning the attack or conducting illegal drug transactions in San Carlos City.
Police records indicate that Jojo, identified as the gunman, was involved in two shooting incidents in Calatrava last year. He was also under drug monitoring, while Dondon’s background is still being investigated.
Authorities are considering personal grudges as a possible motive but are also looking into other angles, including the possibility that the suspects were hired gunmen.
The Army has not ruled out mistaken identity.
Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations officer of the 79th IB, said the Army is coordinating with police in the investigation and will provide medical assistance to the victim.
Santillan said the suspects have refused to cooperate and have yet to release a statement.
“We are still gathering information until we can establish the real motive,” he added.
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old girl was found outside the apartment when police tracked down the suspects.
Santillan clarified that the minor was not involved in the crime but claimed she had been receiving financial assistance from one of the suspects. She has been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
