Soldier faces dismissal for killing 2 fellow soldiers in Isabela

MANILA, Philippines - The soldier who shot dead two of his comrades in Isabela province is facing dismissal from the service.

Maj. Gen. Benito de Leon, chief of the Army’s 5th division, said the administrative liability of S/Sgt. Antonio Bermudez, the suspect, is on top of the criminal case that may be filed against him.

“It will be summary dismissal for the administrative aspect,” De Leon said when asked what sanctions may be imposed on the suspect.

“The military only handles administrative sanctions. The civil and criminal aspect will be determined by the civil courts,” he added.

De Leon said they are now investigating the shooting incident, which happened at the 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Gamu, Isabela.

Police reports said the incident happened last Tuesday at 9: 40 a.m. and left two soldiers dead and another one wounded.

Before the shooting, Bermudez and another soldier identified as Sgt. Randy Bucu reportedly had an argument that irked the suspect.

Bacu and another soldier identified as T/Sgt. Aldrin Bangug were killed while a certain T/Sgt. Leonardo Millares was wounded during the incident.

Bermudez was then arrested by the military police and is now being investigated.