A SOLDIER was shot dead by another soldier following an argument in Taguig City early Wednesday morning, November 20.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesperson, said an initial police report said Private First Class Niko del Pilar had a heated argument with Technical Sergeant Gilbert Gella around 2:35 a.m. along Bayani road, Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig City.

Gella walked away, proceeded to his vehicle and tried to leave. But Del Pilar ran and attacked Gella with a knife.

“As he (Gella) was about to drive away, Del Pilar ran towards Gella's passenger side and took out his knife and stabbed Gella, instinctively prompting the latter to reach out for his gun and fatally shot Del Pilar in the neck,” said Zagala.

Gella, who was not wounded in the attack by Del Pilar, immediately surrendered to the authorities.

Another report from the Taguig Police said there were at least three more suspects at large.

“The Philippine Army condoles with the family of Private First Class Del Pilar and will extend any necessary assistance. We will fully comply with the investigation of the authorities on the personnel involved in order to attain justice as swift as possible,” the official said.

“On the other hand, we will conduct our own parallel investigation as we continue to caution our soldiers to adhere to the principles of military discipline and proper decorum whether they are in uniform or not, whether inside or outside military jurisdiction,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)