Woman shot dead in bus terminal was not Army personnel

MANILA, Philippines - The woman who was shot dead by a security guard  Monday after allegedly extorting money was never connected to the Philippine Army, a military official said.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the woman, identified as Capt.  Christine Tugade, was not in their list of personnel.

“We are of the belief that this person is using the name of the Philippine Army to extort money from possible victims in exchange for some favors,” Cabangbang said in a statement.

Tugade was killed by security guard and former Army soldier Melodio Tindoi after the former had demanded money from him in exchange for his reinstatement in the military..

Tindoi claimed Tugade had received P10,000 from him but continued to demand  more money.

Police reports said the security guard had shot Tugade repeatedly using a .38 caliber revolver at a bus terminal. Investigators found an identification card indicating that Tugade was an Army officer.

Cabangbang called on the public to be cautious in dealing with persons claiming to be part of the military. – Alexis Romero