By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) confirmed on Tuesday that one of its soldiers were among the four suspects in the killing of a barangay councilor in Sagay City, Negros Occidental last week.
Major Cenon Pancito III, 3ID spokesperson, said Corporal Rico Fuertes, a member of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) was arrested on Nov 13, 2020 after he was tagged as a “person of interest” in the death of Kagawad Mario Agabon, 36, of Barangay Lopez Jaena last November 12.
Fuertes was nabbed in Sagay after another person of interest tagged him to the incident.
Pancito said Fuertes, who was assigned as assistant patrol base commander in Barangay Quintin Remo patrol base in Moises Padilla town, filed an emergency leave on Nov 10 to 13 to tend his sick and pregnant wife.
However, the 62nd IB received a phone call from the Sagay City Police Station informing them about Fuerte’s arrest due to his alleged involvement in the crime.
Pancito said they do not tolerate the actions and misdemeanor of their soldiers.
“Kami po sa pamunuan ng 3ID ay tututok sa insidente. Kung mapapatunayan na may paglabag sa batas, kami po ang mangunguna para dalhin siya sa hustisya,” he added.
Pancito clarified that Fuertes was able to get out of the camp because of personal reasons.
“Hindi po ito official business, hindi po siya inutusan o wala po itong kinalaman sa katungkulan niya bilang isang sundalo,” he said.
Pancito said they will work with the police to resolve the matter, adding that they will give chance to the victim’s family to file appropriate charges against the soldier if proven guilty of the crime.
“We are here to help find the truth and give justice,” he added.
He said the Army will also conduct a fair investigation and they will also file administrative charges if his alleged involvement is proven.
Fuertes is now detained at Sagay City Police Station, along with two other suspects.
Pancito said Fuertes is considered absent without official leave (AWOL) when he failed to return to work after his emergency leave.
Pancito said they have yet to talk with Fuertes since the police are preparing the filing of the criminal charges.
