Marine kills colleague in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines - A Marine soldier shot dead his comrade after a heated argument at a detachment in Basilan on Christmas Eve.

The shooting occurred at around 11:30 p.m. at the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 detachment in Barangay Calang Canas in Maluso town, initial police reports said.

Investigation showed that Pfc. Dave Bryan Cerbito Abang, 23, and the 31-year-old victim, Sgt. Errol Chaves, had a confrontation that led to a gunfight.

Chaves reportedly suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the arms and chest.

Authorities said the two had used M16 rifles.

Abang, who suffered minor injuries, was brought to a local hospital. He is now under  the custody of the Marine Brigade.

Unlike the police, the military did not seal the muzzles of the firearms of its troops ahead of the holidays.