By J. Jala, Helen Castano | 01:02 PM September 02, 2020
The 47th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army has issued an apology for shooting a 70-year-old man in Malingin Island in Bien Unido town.
In a statement, the army said they expressed their ” ingenuous commiseration and sincerest sympathy to the bereaved family.”
“The unfortunate passing of Mr. Leopoldo Saligan involving one of our troops, Cpl. Raymund Casiple, saddens the unit and we are regretful of the outcome,” said 1Lt. Elma Grace Remonde, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 47th Infantry Battalion.
“This message of condolence would never be enough to appease, the grief you are feeling. The unit understands how family feels and the decision they are to make,” Remonde said.
She said the army will not tolerate such act. She assured that they will cooperate and appropriate charges will be filed against the soldier by the police depending on the result of the investigation.
“We do not tolerate this transgression and do not intend to condone our troop. Instead, Cpl Casiple will be facing the consequences of his action and the apt verdict. He will not only be confronted by a criminal case; he would also be charged administratively and the unit will surely cooperate with the investigation or any other significant matters regarding the case,” she said.
She said the army will also support the family and be of assistance.
” We assure the public and the bereaved family that what happened will not be taken for granted,” said Remonde.
Saligan was shot dead by Casiple at 5 p. m. on Sunday, August 30.
According to witnesses, Saligan was with his nieces and nephews talking about his experiences as a former member of the Philippine Constabulary (PC) when Casiple, interrupted their talks.
Casiple was reportedly drunk when he approached them.
Then, a heated argument ensued between Saligan and Casiple that the latter got irated, pulled out his pistol and fired it at the old man.
Saligan sustained seven gunshot wounds in the body that caused his instant death.
