KIDAPAWAN CITY – Police in North Cotabato town of M’lang arrested on Sunday evening two sibling-soldiers allegedly involved in the shooting of two civilians during a village benefit dance.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, police director for Region 12 (Soccsksargen), identified the suspects as Pfc. Ares Santillan Espino, 28, of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, and Pfc. Al Santillan Espino, 25, assigned at Philippine Navy BRP Apolinario Mabini, both residents of Barangay Lika, M’lang, North Cotabato.
Rasco said the siblings were arrested after one of them allegedly shot at disco participants Ruel Cadaydayon, 32, and Diduk Rueza, both construction workers, during a dance in Lika village.
Investigation showed the suspects and the victims were all dancing at the crowded party place at about 11 p.m. when Cadaydayon accidentally bumped Al Espino.
A heated argument ensued despite apologies from the victims. Rasco said Ares Espino, the elder brother, arrived and without provocation, shot Cadaydayon with a .45-caliber pistol in the chest.
The bullet, which pierced through Cadaydayon’s chest, also hit Ruezo who was behind him. The victims were rushed to the hospital while police arrested the Espino brothers.
Recovered from them was the gun used in the shooting.
The suspects were brought to the M’lang police station while appropriate criminal charges are prepared against them. ( Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
