Two independent teams have looking into the shooting incident on April 25, 2007, in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province, that resulted in the death of two civilians and the wounding of three others.
In a meeting called by Mayor Lorenzo L. Balbin, Jr., Compostela Valley Police Provincial Director P/Supt Nestor Quinsay has given the assurance that there would be no whitewash in the investigation. He said the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have been tasked by the PNP to conduct thorough investigation.
BGen Carlos Holganza, Commanding Officer, 1001st Division, 28th IB, said that the military personnel involved in the shooting incident are now under custody and are restricted at a camp in Monkayo.
Based on police records, at about 9:30 in the evening, on April 25 a military team from Delta Coy, 28th IB led by Lt. Salamanca tried to stop a motorcycle driven by one Ato Villafuerte, for security check. However, the motorcycle instead sped up which prompted the military to fire a warning shot. Still Villafuerte and four others on board ignored the warning shots which compelled the military to open fire.
The shooting resulted to the instant death of passengers Elias Mabundas and Aurelia Bugahod. Villafuerte and 2 other passengers Biato Suralta and Gaga Bugahod were seriously injured.
Holganza said the military has given financial assistance to the wounded victims and the families of Mabundas and Bugahod. He also said the military is ready to cooperate in the investigation.
Balbin called the special forum to diffuse tension and get into the truth. The mayor said he is closely monitoring the investigation and hoping that justice is served. (New Bataan Info.Office/PIA DavCom) ****** INBOX is an archive of press releases, statements, announcements, letters to the editors, and manifestos sent to Davao Today for publication. Please email your materials to davaotoday@gmail.com. Davao Today reserves the right to edit or refuse material for publication. *****
