Rebel returnee killed at military camp

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – A former rebel was killed in an alleged shootout with soldiers at the 31st Infantry Battalion (IB) camp in Barangay Rangas in Juban, Sorsogon on Friday.

Initial investigation showed Rene Sambajon, 40, a resident of Barangay Tabe in Gubat town, barged into the barracks of Cpl. David Soriano, Cpl. Lemuel Banta and Pfc. German Fernandez, who were sleeping, and took their guns and ammunition.

Sambajon reportedly fired at Pfc. Reyniel Mesias, the barracks sentinel, as he escaped, prompting SSgt. Marcial Sandoval, who also saw the former rebel, to open fire.

The service firearms of Mesias and Sandoval were turned over to police investigators.

”We are conducting a separate investigation in coordination with the police,” Capt. Joash Pramis, 9th Division public information officer, said yesterday.

Pramis said Lt. Col. Randy Espino, 31st IB commanding officer, is cooperating with police probers.