70-year-old shot dead by soldier in locked down Malingin island in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY - A soldier was arrested on Sunday afternoon after he shot and killed an unarmed septuagenarian in Malingin Island in Bien Unido town, which is still on lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Police Staff Sergeant Romelito Avenido said 70-year-old Leopoldo Justiniane Saligan died instantly after he was shot multiple times on the chest by a soldier identified as Corporal Reymund Casiple at around 8:25 p.m. last Friday, August 30, 2020 in Purok 6 on Malingin Island.

Avenido added that the shooting was preceded by a heated argument between the soldier and villager.

Casiple, a member of the 47th Infantry Battalion Charlie (Catalyst) Company, who was deployed to Malingin Island to help the local government unit strictly implement the health quarantine protocols since the island was placed under lockdown after the number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase.

According to witnesses, Saligan was with his nephews and nieces talking about his experiences as a former member of the Philippine Constabulary (PC).

Casiple approached them and interrupted their conversation.

"Kalit lang siya mingduol namo unya nasuko. Abi niya siya among giestoryahan, (He suddenly came and enraged. He thought we were talking about him)," Metchelle Concon, the victim's niece said in a phone interview.

"Klaro nga hubog kaayo siya unya suko kaayo (It was clear he was drunk and rowdy), she added.

Saligan tried to convince the soldier that he was not the subject of their conversation but this led to a heated argument.

Casiple then suddenly took out his .45 pistol and shot Saligan multiple times.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered to the village chief and handed over his firearm. He was detained at the Bien Unido police station to await filing of charges.

Saligan's family is seeking justice.

His daughter, Marie, said it was painful that his father died in the hands of a person who was supposed to protect their lives.

"Ang among Papa nga mapinanggaon kaayo sa iyang mga anak, kalit lang gikuha dri namo.  Sakita pod sa imong gibuhat @Corporal Raymond Casiple! Asa nman ang imong gipanumpa nga you Will Served and Protect the innocent People???" she said in her Facebook post.

A distraught niece Jel Lah, described her uncle as “a good man, a good grandfather and a great uncle."

The suspect and the 47th IB have yet to release any statement on the incident. -- BAP, GMA News