Berated over drunkenness, soldier kills commander

MASBATE CITY — Admonished over his drunkenness, an Army soldier fatally shot his commanding officer inside their camp in Mandaon, Masbate last Thursday, the military said.

The suspect, Pfc. Mario San Jose Dagala, 46, is now in the custody of the provincial police.

Investigation showed the victim, 2Lt. Cesar Saculo Jardin Jr., 30, a known disciplinarian, summoned Dagala and two other colleagues to discuss Dagala’s drinking habit.

However, the dialogue turned into a verbal tussle, reportedly leading Jardin to draw his caliber .45 pistol. But Dagala outdid his commanding officer, firing his M-16 rifle first.

Dagala gave himself up after the shooting to Senior Inspector Brian Castillo, Mandaon police chief. — Celso Amo