Special Forces member shoots pet monkey in case of mistaken identity

A pet monkey in Surigao del Sur was shot dead by a soldier, who claimed he mistook it for the animal who earlier bit two children in their town.

In a report by Sarah Hilomen-Velasco of GMA Regional TV One Mindanao on "24 Oras," the monkey was found hanging lifeless on a coconut tree in Barangay St. Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

“Pinuntahan kami ng CAFGU (Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit), sabi niya, ‘ang inyong unggoy, nabaril namin. Sabi ko, ‘anong binaril? Nasa loob lang naman ng balwarte namin ito, binakuran namin at tinali namin,’" Princess Gabule, the owner, said.

The soldier was identified as Staff Sergeant Ricky Puyat of the 9th Special Forces Battalion. He admitted shooting the monkey, but said he thought it was the one he was hunting down.

Puyat said their barangay captain asked him to catch the monkey that allegedly bit two children in their town.

He apologized to Gabule, but the latter said she will still file a case against the soldier.

“Inaamin din namin na mali kami sa pagbaril, kasi ang pumasok talaga sa isip ko is hindi na siya makaperwisyo, ‘yung unggoy,” Puyat said. 

The City Environment & Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Lianga said the law prohibits cruelty to animals.

“Criminal act talaga siya based on Wildlife Act of the Philippines. So, it is the court now ang mag-determine, pero meron siyang imprisonment kung mapapatunayan beyond reasonable doubt,” Joseph Langanlangan, CENRO officer, said.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News