A MARRIED soldier was shot dead during a scuffle with his alleged 18-year-old lover inside a hotel in Catbalogan City, Samar Sunday, July 7.

Authorities identified the victim as Private First Class Camelo Batoctoy, 31, who was assigned at the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division, Band Company in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan.

Initial investigation revealed that Batoctoy was in the company of an 18-year-old girl whom he had just met at the Pier 1 disco bar around 1 a.m. of July 7.

Around 3 a.m. of July 7, the two went inside a hotel along Barangay 12 in Catbalogan.

At 6:20 a.m., the girl told the victim that she will go home, but the latter refused.

When the soldier insisted her to stay, he subsequently drew his firearm and pulled her hands toward him.

The two scuffled for possession of the gun, which accidentally went off, hitting the soldier's face and resulting in his instantaneous death.

The girl immediately sought help from the hotel personnel.

The girl is now under the custody of Catbalogan City Police Station for further investigation. (SunStar Philippines)