Soldier loses firearm in Camputhaw brawl

CEBU - A member of Special Operation Command of the Philippine Army lost his .45 caliber pistol during a brawl yesterday evening at Elizabeth Pond, Camputhaw, Cebu City.

Cpl. Eleaddy Suralta, who visited the area with his relatives, accused several bystanders in the area of stealing his service firearm during the incident. Suralta, who sought assistance from Fuente Police Station, identified Segondo Saldao, Christian Lacunda and Mark Lingawlingaw, all residents in Elizabeth Pond, as the ones who took his firearm.

“Isauli lang ninyo ang firearm wala na akong problema,” said Suralta, who was apparently drunk and suffered bruises in his face after he was mauled by the bystanders in area.

However, Lacunda and his companions accused Suralta of trying to provoke a fight by pointing his gun at bystanders who were also drinking before the incident.

They said every time Suralta got drunk, he would use his firearm to threaten them.

“Kun magkaaway na sila sa iyang pamilya o igsoon kami dayon ang iyang pahimungtan. Unya kun nibuto pa to ang iyang armas siguro nga patay gyud mi. Kanang iyang ingon nga naa namo ang iyang armas imposibli kaayo na kay wala man gyud mi masayod asa nato,” Saldoa said.

The three are contemplating to file counter-charges against Suralta before the Office of the Ombudsman for Military Affairs. — Ramil V. Ayuman/LPM (The Freeman)