Soldier, civilian hurt in Mlang videoke haus shooting

MLANG, North Cotabato-A member of the Philippine Army and a civilian were wounded when still unidentified suspects pumped bullets in a videoke house beside the national highway on Wednesday morning, police official said. Senior Inspector Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato Police Provincial Office (NCPPO) spokesperson, identified the victims as Corporal Pastrana Espiritu, of 7thInfantry Battalion Charlie Company based in Barangay Tawantawan here. According to Tayong the incident transpired at the Degayo Videoke House at around 12:10 am. Cpl. Espiritu was hit twice in the head. He was in critical condition as of posting time. Stray bullets also hit the civilian named Lorenzo Billena, 40 of Barangay Bialong, in his thigh and stomach. The duo were brought to Mlang District Hospital for medication. Tayong said based in the initial investigation conducted by the Mlang Municipal Police Office, the soldier was having drinking spree with other three companions when the shooting occured. Perhaps the only target was the military personnel because his three companions were not hurt during the incident. However stray bullets hit the customer in the nearby table,” Tayong said. Recovered from the crime scene were 10 empty shells of caliber .45 pistol and a slug from unknown firearms. Police investigators are eyeing personal grudge as the motive behind the shooting incident.