Soldier killed in drinking brawl

7.08.09

LEGAZPI CITY -- A soldier was shot dead in a drinking brawl here, before dawn Tuesday, a report reaching Camp Gen. Simeon A. Ola showed.

The victim was identified as Private First Class Jimmy Lactao, 33, of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, who was killed by still unidentified armed man at around 12:15 a.m., police report said.

According to the report, the victim was having a a get-together with his friends at Ninong's bar and restaurant in Old Albay District, Legazpi City when arguments among them ensued.

Police added that after the exchange of discussions, the suspect turned violent and shot Lactao on the head and sustained gun shot wounds on the different parts of his body.

Witnesses tried to bring the victim at the nearest hospital, but the physician declared him dead on arrival.

Recovered from the crime scene were nine empty shells of 9 mm. pistol.

Legazpi police has not yet acertained the motive of the killing. Johana Vi E. Gasga/Inquirer Southern Luzon