By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A retired Philippine Army soldier was killed after being shot by at least 20 armed men over the weekend at Sitio Manggapa in Barangay Masulog, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

Police identified the fatality as Celso Pedochino, Jr., a former 11th Infantry Battalion member and resident of the said area.

Canlaon City police chief, Police Senior Inspector Wilfredo Alarcon, said Pedochino was having coffee in his home when the armed suspects approached. The assailants asked if he was ‘Pido,’ to which the retired soldier replied with an invitation to join him. However, the suspects then opened fire, killing him on the spot, and causing the victim’s family to flee.

Witnesses reported the suspects were all wearing camouflage uniforms, similar to those used by active members of the armed service.

Alarcon also noted, based on evidence gathered from the crime scene, the suspects were believed to be armed with M16 assault rifles and .45 caliber type of firearms.

Pedochino reportedly had been receiving death threats.

Canlaon City police are presently trying to identify the gunmen./DGB, WDJ