JAMINDAN, Capiz — A soldier from Libungan, Cotabato was shot dead by his fellow soldier, also from Mindanao, following a drinking session inside a military camp in Jamindan, Capiz, late Sunday night, February 9, 2026.
The victim was identified as Private First Class (PFC) Wencel Jay Puntuan, an adult and single, a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Cabpangi, Libungan, Cotabato. He was declared dead on arrival at the Camp General Macario Peralta hospital after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
The suspect was identified as PFC Rosarjoe Manajero, 31, single, a native of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, and currently residing in Barangay Cabugao, Lambunao, Iloilo.
Drinking Session Turns Deadly
Based on initial police and military reports, the victim and the suspect had been drinking together at the mess hall of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), Camp General Macario Peralta in Barangay Jaena Norte, Jamindan, since Sunday morning.
Authorities said both soldiers continued drinking until late in the evening. At around 11:30 p.m., Puntuan reportedly noticed that Manajero was already heavily intoxicated, prompting them to stop their drinking session.
Puntuan then followed Manajero to his quarters to ensure his safety. However, minutes later, gunshots were heard inside the camp.
When fellow soldiers rushed to the area, Puntuan was found lying on the ground, bloodied and unconscious, while Manajero had already fled the scene.
Shot in the Head, Declared Dead on Arrival
The wounded soldier was immediately rushed to the camp’s medical facility for emergency treatment. However, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival due to a gunshot wound at the back of his head.
Investigators believe the shooting happened after Manajero went to his quarters and attempted to retrieve his firearm. Puntuan allegedly tried to stop him, which reportedly triggered the suspect’s violent outburst.
In his drunken state, Manajero allegedly fired his service firearm, hitting Puntuan in the head and causing his instantaneous death.
Suspect Arrested After Attempted Escape
Several hours after the incident, authorities were able to locate and arrest Manajero as he reportedly attempted to escape following the shooting.
He is now under police custody and is expected to face criminal charges related to homicide, as well as possible administrative and military sanctions.
The firearm believed to have been used in the crime was also recovered and is now undergoing forensic examination.
Investigation Ongoing
The Jamindan Municipal Police Station, in coordination with military authorities, continues to investigate the incident to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting, including possible lapses in camp security and protocols on alcohol consumption inside military facilities.
Officials are also looking into how the suspect was able to access his firearm while under the influence of alcohol, a violation of standard military regulations.
Calls for Stricter Discipline
The incident has raised concerns over discipline and alcohol control within military installations, especially as both the victim and the suspect were active-duty personnel entrusted with firearms.
Military officials have yet to release an official statement, but sources said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expected to conduct its own internal investigation to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The family of PFC Puntuan is now seeking justice for his untimely death, as fellow soldiers and community members mourn the loss of a young serviceman whose life was cut short inside the very institution meant to protect him.