Soldier who killed most-wanted militant dies, officials say

MANILA (AP) - A Philippine Army soldier who was feted for killing the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group's elusive leader early this year was killed during a recent combat exercise, military officials said Monday.

Army Staff Sergeant Raul Suacillo, 34, was hit in the heart with a live bullet from an M16 rifle that was supposed to be loaded with blanks during a combat drill in Fort Magsaysay camp north of Manila on July 3, army Special Forces Regiment commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Ortiz said.

A fellow soldier who admitted having accidentally loaded the live bullet has been detained and was being investigated, he said.

Military officials apparently waited until after Suacillo's burial at Manila's Heroes' cemetery last Saturday before announcing details of his death.