A SOLDIER was shot and killed by his batchmate, who in turn shot himself and is now in critical condition at a hospital in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the police said.
Police Major Shellamie Chang, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said that Sergeant Ryzan Salota, 34, of the 97th Infantry Battalion (IB) died Sunday night, September 4, 2022 while being treated at the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center.
Chang said that Salota was allegedly shot around 9:45 p.m. Sunday by his batchmate, Sergeant Jemar Bugay, 32, of the same battalion based in Del Pilar village, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Chang said investigation showed that prior to the incident, Bugay allegedly shot Salota at closed range with a caliber .45 pistol while the suspect was seated at the bunk of the victim.
Chang said that Salota, though wounded, managed to run outside the barracks and sought for help before he fell on the ground.
She said that Bugay, after shooting Salota, shot himself and both were rushed to the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center for treatment.
She said that Salota expired several minutes later while Bugay is in critical condition.
She said the police in Piñan have yet to determine the motive of the incident. (SunStar Zamboanga)