Gun-toting soldier, militiaman hunted

The police are hot on the trail of a soldier and his rebel-returnee henchman who reportedly terrorized a small village in Bangaga, Davao Oriental by mauling and threatening several residents and firing their guns indiscriminately last Christmas Day.

Brig. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., commander of 10th Infantry Division said they will not tolerate the misbehaving suspects and will subject them especially the soldier, to appropriate disciplinary action.

Police investigators identified the suspects as PFC Junifort Agustin of the 67th Infantry Battalion and his cohort rebel returnee Marlon de la Torre.

The two are facing charges of serious physical injuries, grave threats, illegal discharge of firearms and violation of domicile among others.

Investigation showed that the victims were celebrating Christmas in Barangay Lucod when the suspects arrived on board a motorcycle with their guns drawn, and started manhandling a group of people, including two minors, while also poking, threatening and firing their guns indiscriminately.

The suspects immediately fled after the incident and are now the subjects of massive manhunt.

It was gathered that prior to the incident, the two already had a misunderstanding with one of the victims present during the drinking bout.