By Glazyl Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) said it was saddened by the death of a minor who was hit by a stray bullet following a commotion between a man and a soldier in Barangay 1, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.
Police Lieutenant Dennis Melgarejo, deputy police chief of Kabankalan City Police Station, said Sergeant Lito Valdevieso Jr., was drinking liquor with the minor’s father at the latter’s house when 52-year-old Felix Estomo, who is the latter’s neighbor, arrived.
Upon his arrival, Estomo then allegedly asked for Valdevieso’s identification card to verify his identity, Melgarejo said.
“Kay ining biktima (Estomo) daw gapakilala man na damo siya connection,” he added.
This caused Valdevieso to get angry, and allegedly drew and fired his .45 caliber pistol, hitting the left shoulder of Estomo, Melgarejo said.
Melgarejo said that Estomo then ran to escape from Valdevieso, however, the latter caught up with him and shot him again. But this time, the bullet hit the 15-year-old girl, who was sitting on a tricycle parked outside their house, in her chest.
Valdevieso fled, but the responding police arrested him at the highway.
Police recovered from the scene a live cartridge, three empty cases, and one deformed slug of .45 caliber ammunition.
They also confiscated from Valdevieso a .45-caliber pistol with extra magazine loaded with 14 live cartridges.
“Hambal niya (soldier) damo man daw witnesses or nakakita na indi siya nag umpisa,” the deputy police chief said.
Melgarejo said they are waiting for the decision of the family of the deceased minor and the injured victim on the filing of case against Valdevieso, 37, a native of Jaro, Iloilo City.
Melgarejo said Valdevieso was assigned to a detachment in Barangay Orong, and is a member of the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Daily Guardian is still trying to get Valdevieso’s side.
Meanwhile, Captain Kim Apitong, officer-in-charge of Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said they do not tolerate such action, which they considered an isolated case.
Apitong said they are still gathering information and will coordinate with the police with regards to the investigation.
“Kung siya po ay mahahatulan ng parusa, dapat po na harapin niya iyon,” Apitong said.
Apitong stressed that the Army’s job is to protect the people and end the insurgency and not to harm civilians.
Apitong said they will extend help to the victims.
