An Army soldier who allegedly shot and killed a civilian in Brgy. San Jose, Toboso, Negros Occidental, was released from jail 8 a.m. yesterday, after the 36-hour reglamentary period of detention lapsed, police chief Senior Inspector Danilo Zuniega said.

This was also after the family of the victim, Vicente Villanueva, failed to file charges against the suspect identified as Sgt. Levi Tejamo, a member of the 61st Infantry Battalion, stationed in Calinog, Iloilo, during his detention, Zuniega said.

Tejamo and Villanueva, who claimed to be a member of the New People’s Army, were having a drinks on Oct. 24 and traded shots, after a heated debate over the communist ideology and democracy, investigations of the Toboso police show.

Villanueva and Tejamo, both residents of Brgy. San Jose, Toboso, and were classmates during their elementary years, were at the house of Tejamo, when the alleged shoot-out took place after Villanueva allegedly poked a homemade gun at Tejamo, who was about to leave, Zuniega said.

Tejamo reportedly pushed Villanueva and tried to flee. However, Villanueva opened fire at Tejamo, who retaliated by shooting him, causing his death, he added.

Tejamo surrendered later to the Toboso Police Station, where he has been locked up since Wednesday night. He endorsed his licensed 40mm Taurus pistol to the police.

A homemade gun, locally known as a “pugalite”, allegedly owned by the victim, 40 live bullets and three empty shells of a 5.56mm firearm, were recovered at the crime scene, Toboso police investigations also showed.

Despite the release of Tejamo from jail, the family of Villanueva may still file charges against the Army soldier.* GPB

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