Army probes shooting, suicide at CamSur camp

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army is conducting a parallel investigation into the shooting and suicide incidents that occurred at a military camp in Pili, Camarines Sur at dawn on Saturday.

The incidents, which occurred at Camp Weene Martillana, resulted in the death of Maj. Gary Masedman and Capt. Martin Anosa Jr.

Another officer, Sgt. Manuel Colico, was taken to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.

“The Army does not tolerate criminal acts by its personnel and will cooperate with the police in the investigation,” Army spokesman Col. Xerxes Trinidad said yesterday.

Trinidad said that Anosa figured in a quarrel with his girlfriend at the camp, headquarters of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID).

The girl sought the help of Masedman, finance officer of the 9ID, prompting Anosa to reportedly shoot him.

Colico was wounded during the shooting.

Anosa was later found dead in his room with a gunshot wound.

Probers said a “suicide note” was found beside Anosa’s body.

“A parallel investigation is being conducted to determine the root causes of the incidents and prevent similar cases from happening again,” Trinidad added.

He gave assurance that the Army prioritizes the mental health and well-being of its soldiers.

“This is an isolated case. As of now, we are in the process of informing the families of those involved in the incidents,” he said.