Soldier shot dead in Lanao del Sur

An Army soldier was shot dead by an unidentified suspect in Wao, Lanao del Sur on Sunday.

The fatality was identified as Corporal Arnasil K. Esmael, of legal age, of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Battalion.

Initial investigation by police revealed the victim visited the house of his girlfriend around 10:30 a.m.

While the victim was in the kitchen, gunshots were heard.

The victim was hit on the left side of his chest.

He was immediately brought to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Recovered from the crime scene were seven pieces of fired cartridges of a cal. 9 mm firearm, one cal. 45 M1911 government-issued pistol with a magazine loaded with cal. 45 ammunition.

Police Senior Sergeant Mark Ariel Macana, the police investigator assigned to the case, said investigation is still ongoing.

He said they are looking at several angles including the angle of love triangle.

Liuetenant Colonel Romulus Rabara, battalion commander of the Army's 5th Infantry Battalion, said based on their investigation, the victim had no dispute with anyone.

He added that they will let the police finish their investigation.

The victim's body was brought to Jolo and has already been buried according to tradition. —Merlyn Manos/KG, GMA News