Soldier shot dead by Army sergeant in Fort Bonifacio after altercation

A soldier died after having a heated argument with a sergeant of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday.

According to Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, Private First Class Niko Del Pilar was shot by Technical Sergeant Gilbert Gella in the neck.

Initial investigation showed that the two had an altercation along Bayani Road at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

Gella tried to leave the area by boarding his vehicle but Del Pilar ran toward the passenger side and stabbed him with a knife.

This prompted Gella to pull out his gun and shoot his fellow soldier.

The suspect already surrendered to authorities.

"The Philippine Army condoles with the family of Private First Class Del Pilar and will extend any necessary assistance. We will fully comply with the investigation of the authorities on the personnel involved in order to attain justice as swift as possible," Zagala said.

He added that a parallel probe will be conducted by the Philippine Army.

Zagala also reminded soldiers to observe the principles of military discipline and proper decorum whether they are in uniform or not, and even outside military premises. —Dona Magsino/KG, GMA News