A soldier belonging to the Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion was shot dead last Wednesday by police officials in Barangay Carit-an, located in Patnongon, Antique. Authorities identified the fatality as 31-year-old Private First Class Melchor Rosa of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental who died from a gunshot wound to the head.
According to Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Joem Malong, the caretaker of Heave’s Video Bar called police after an armed Rosa entered the bar and reportedly exhibited unruly behavior. Police Staff Sergeants Gerardo Torrevilla and Ronald Margaliñas of the Patnongon Municipal Police Station were dispatched to the location and, upon arrival, the soldier allegedly poked them with a caliber .45 pistol.
Marcaliñas attempted to retrieve the gun, which resulted in a scuffle, forcing the police officer to retrieve his firearm and shoot.
Malong said the police officer had no choice as there was an imminent danger.
“Our police only defended themselves because the suspect was armed and they were grappling for possession of the gun,” the regional law enforcement official explained.
However, police said an investigation will proceed.
“We have to conduct an investigation on this matter and our two police personnel are under restriction,” Malong added./WDJ