TACLOBAN CITY- A soldier was shot and killed by a woman after they reportedly engaged in a fight over a gun while they were inside in a hotel room in Catbalogan City, Samar province, Sunday (July 7).
Reports reaching the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) based in Palo, Leyte, said that the soldier, identified as Private First Class Camelo Batoctoy, 31, married and member of the band company of the 8th Infantry Division, based in Catbalogan City, was shot by an 18-year old woman, Sheila de la Cruz, whom he met in a disco bar prior the incident.
The two checked in at Fame Hotel, also in the city, at around 3 am and at about 6:20 am, de la Cruz asked the victim that she would like to return home in Brgy. Bagacay, Hinabangan town, also in Samar.
But the soldier, a resident of Brgy. Maulong, also in Catbalogan City, reportedly refused and instead drew his firearm towards the woman which resulted for the two to fight.
The gun reportedly went off, hitting the victim’s face which resulted to his instant death.
The suspect immediately ran out of the room and asked help from a hotel staff.
In turn, the hotel staff called the local police, and led by Major Romelito Sorilla, immediately went to the area of the incident.
The woman is now in the custody of the Catbalogan city police for further investigation.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
