6 killed, 9 wounded as soldier runs amuck in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - At least six soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded Thursday when a soldier ran amuck inside the military camp in Sumisip, Basilan, according to a security official.

The suspect was identified as Cpl. Tahiruddin Taha, assigned with the bravo company of the 64th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Cabengbeng, Sumisip. He was neutralized by responding soldiers inside the camp.

The military identified the five soldiers killed in the rampage as 1st Lt. Camlon Martin Puao, 2nd Lt. Alvin Ebina, Staff Sgt. Jonathan C. Galicto, Cpl. Robert Jondayran and Pfc. Jessrell V. Calud.

Those wounded were 1st Lt. Pada Guingar, Technical Sgt. Jerry Cardoza, Sgt. Anthony Bentoy, Private First Class Elber C. Noble, Ruel M. Macalapay, Nelson C. Calambro, Junnel C. Cajote, Remie L. Espanola, Jr. and civilian Pastor Rolly Matson.

Navy Captain Roy Vincent Trinidad, deputy chief of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said the suspect, who came from a furlough, shot on site the officers and regular soldiers gathered for Troops Information and Education about 8:45 a.m. Thursday. Taha went berserk and shot them with an M16 rifle.

Trinidad said some soldiers were killed on the spot.

“But the other soldiers on duty engaged the amuck soldier and neutralized him,” Trinidad said.

He said the Joint Task Group Basilan sent its team to conduct an investigation to find out what triggered the incident.

The victims were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital inside the Western Mindanao Command.