A MEMBER of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) allegedly shot to death his comrade after they engaged in a heated argument during a drinking session at the former Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday night, December 8.
Airman Second Class Reymart Noquera, 26, a resident of Fairview, Quezon City, allegedly shot to death Staff Sergeant Renante Felerca Blanco, 39, a resident of Angeles City, Pampanga, while the two were having a drinking session at 10:45 p.m. at the back of the PAF-Tactical Operations Group headquarters, a report from the Lumbia Police Station said.
Police said Noquera used an M16 rifle in shooting Blanco, who was hit in the left side of his head.
The victim was rushed to the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Hospital in Barangay Patag but was pronounced dead at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, December 9.
It was not yet determined if the two were with a group of Air Force servicemen when the incident happened.
Police recovered 16 empty bullet shells at the crime scene.
As of Saturday afternoon, the PAF has not yet issued a statement about the incident.
Noquera is now temporarily detained at the 4ID detention facility, while the murder weapon was turned over to the police.
Captain Joe Patrick Martinez, the Army's 4th ID spokesperson, said they are awaiting word from the PAF national headquarters for the suspect to be transferred, pointing out that the 4ID has no jurisdiction over any PAF personnel. (SunStar Cagayan de Oro)