Two soldiers arrested after road altercation

Truck driver also arrested

CEBU, Philippines - Two Philippine Army soldiers were arrested by the police for hurting a wing van driver and his helper Saturday in Barangay Guinsay, Danao City.

Arrested were Corporal Jay-R Telesforo, 38, of Mambusao, Roxas, Capiz and Corporal Arthur Azarcon, 31, of Cantilan, Surigao Del Sur, both assigned at the 32nd CMO Company based in Dunggo-an, Danao City.

Also arrested for reckless driving was the driver of the wing van, Michael Labrador, 35, of Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

According to SPO3 Danilo Laurente of Carmen Police Station, Telesforo and Azarcon were riding on a motorcycle along Barangay Guinsay Saturday afternoon when a wing van that was tailing them blew its horn and overtook them.

Allegedly due to the loud noise, Telesforo, who was driving the motorcycle, lost control of the vehicle.

The motorcycle was consequently sideswiped by the wing van, which continued driving.  The soldiers chased the van and asked the driver to stop.

Azarcon opened the right door of the van and forcibly grabbed the truck boy, Christopher Duterte, 40, who also held tightly to the van.

Labrador continued driving until they reached Carmen Police Station while the soldiers kept on chasing them.

They saw a police car being driven by PO1 Stephen Baltunado and sought for his help while the soldiers caught up with them.

Telesforo allegedly hit Duterte with a cal. 45 pistol then pulled Labrador out of the van and also hit him with the gun in the presence of the police.

The chief of Carmen Police pointed a gun at the soldiers, which prompted the latter to raise their hands and identified themselves.

"Nag-civilian (clothes) sila unya nagdala og armas. Maayo gani pag-ingon nga taas ang kamot, mitaas dayon unya nagpaila nga sundalo," Laurente said.

Labrador said he won't file charges against the soldiers, while Duterte will.

After refusing to be placed behind bars, the soldiers eventually gave in and are now detained along with Labrador.

Labrador will be charged for reckless driving while the two soldiers will be charged for less serious physical injuries. (FREEMAN)