Soldier arrested after firing gun in Samar

Police took into custody a 31-year-old Army soldier after he allegedly fired five shots during a confrontation with construction workers along Diversion Road in Barangay 13, Catbalogan City in Samar, on Tuesday evening, July 21, 2026. INQUIRER FILES TACLOBAN CITY— Police took into custody a 31-year-old Army soldier after he allegedly fired five shots during a confrontation with construction workers along Diversion Road in Barangay 13, Catbalogan City in Samar, on Tuesday evening. The suspect, identified only as “Tep,” of Motiong, Samar, was allegedly under the influence of liquor when the incident occurred around 6 p.m., according to the initial investigation of the Catbalogan City Police Station. Police said the suspect arrived at the area aboard a motorcycle and became belligerent after “Jim,” 26, a construction worker, told him to park his motorcycle properly. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Security guard nabbed for illegal gun discharge in front of Cubao mall The suspect allegedly drew a firearm and fired three shots toward Jim. In turn, Jim punched the suspect, causing him to fall to the ground and flee. While fleeing, the suspect allegedly fired two more shots in Jim’s direction. Jim’s sister intervened and cautioned the suspect, prompting him to stop, police said. The suspect later wandered around the area until bystanders subdued and pacified him before turning him over to responding police officers. Two other construction workers, identified as “Ray,” 19, and “Rod,” 58, both residents of Barangay 13, were hit by stray bullets allegedly fired by the suspect. They were brought to Samar Provincial Hospital for medical treatment. Article continues after this advertisement The police said Jim was unharmed. The Catbalogan police, together with the Regional Special Operations Unit 8 and the Samar Police Provincial Office– Provincial Intelligence Unit, responded to the incident. Article continues after this advertisement The suspect was taken into police custody for proper disposition while the Scene of the Crime Operations team was requested to process the crime scene. Authorities have yet to disclose the firearm used in the incident and the specific charges to be filed against the suspect./coa Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.