DAVAO CITY – A Filipino soldier is being investigated for negligence after a civilian stole his army truck and plowed the vehicle into a group of civilians and killed two and wounded three others.
The KM450 truck’s engine was left running by the soldier - a member of the local Task Force Davao - who relieved himself at the market on December 24. The attack, which occurred around 5.30 a.m., sent market goers into panic and video clips of the incident at the Bangkerohan public market posted on social media went viral immediately.
The truck also hit
several vehicles before running over the victims – two of them died from the
spot and had been identified by the police as Rocel Haspe, 34; and Jamie Cole,
63. The wounded were Mae Antoneth Anticamara, 20; Teresita Tangaro, 45; and
Michael Maghuyop, 44, all local residents.
Army Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, chief of the
Eastern Mindanao Command, assured the public and families of the victims for a
speedy investigation to immediately look if there is negligence on the part of soldier
and provide appropriate action.
“Based on initial reports, Task Force Davao troops were unloaded by the KM450 in the area to conduct security operations when the driver temporarily parked the vehicle for personal necessities,” he said.
Almerol said the man who stole the truck - Crenenandy Cadiente - was arrested. It was unknown what motivated the 44-year old local man or whether he was a member of any radical or rebel group.
“While this incident is isolated, it is
unfortunate that it happened while we are preparing for a festive celebration
of Christmas. We extend our condolences to families of the victims. Be assured
that we will not rest until you get the justice deserved by your loved
ones," he said.
The horrible tragedy happened at a time when security is tight due to threats of terror attacks from pro-ISIS groups in the South. (Mindanao Examiner)
No comments:
Post a Comment