9 soldiers, one civilian killed in shooting incident in Sulu

By Ronron
April 8, 2007

Nine soldiers and a civilian were killed in a shooting incident before dawn of Saturday inside a military camp in Sulu, officials said yesterday.

Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. said the incident happened at around 2am inside the command post of the 35th Infantry Battalion’s Charlie Company located in Barangay Silangkan, Parang town.

“We have nine soldiers and one civilian killed. The incident is still being investigated,” Torres said.

Torres claimed he has no information as to the circumstances that led to the shooting, and the identities of the victims.

“There was no electricity at the place… When the reinforcement arrived led by the battalion commander, they were also fired upon. When the area was placed under control, 10 dead bodies were found,” he said.

Asked if it was an internal conflict among the soldiers, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Eugene Battara said: “I leave it to you how you will describe it.”

Like Torres, Batarra, who is based in Zamboanga City, said he has no further details about the incident since these were purposely withheld from him by higher authorities “until the investigation is over.”

Sulu Police Director Sr. Supt. Ahirun Ajirim could not also provide details when reached by phone, saying he was not furnished a copy of the report by the military.

When asked if police will also initiate an investigation considering that a civilian was among the victims, Ajirim replied in the affirmative.

“I have ordered the chief of police of Parang to conduct investigation on the incident. But of course, we have to wait for the investigation by the Army brigade so that we will not contradict each other,” Ajirim said.

Torres said the Philippine Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade is now investigating the incident./DMS