A paramilitary member and a civilian died after trading shots in Brgy. Bantayan, Kabankalan City, Saturday, reportedly because of old grudges, the military said yesterday.

The victims were identified as Dionesio Rodriguez, a member of the Dacongcogon Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit detachment, and Dennis Gabaran, 29, resident of the barangay.

Lt. Col. Norman Flores, 61st Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday said Rodriguez was shot by Gabaran, who was reportedly drunk and armed with a .357 magnum revolver.

Despite his injuries on the right side of his face and breast, Flores said Rodriguez managed to return fire.

Rodriguez died after shooting Gabaran who was also declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Kabankalan City, military records show. The death of Rodriguez came almost two weeks after CAFGU member Sonny Villamor was also shot dead by three suspected New People's Army rebels in La Libertad, Oriental Negros.

Col. Bonifacio de Castro, officer-in-charge of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, however, said Villamor was killed because of personal motives rather than liquidation plot against members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Meanwhile, soldiers of the 61st IB arrested Alejandro Alegano in Brgy. Linao, Kabankalan City, for having an unlicensed .38 caliber revolver on Friday.

Flores said Alegano was turned over to Linao Brgy. Capt. Jose Randy Gargarita, while the confiscated firearm is now in their possession.*GPB

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