An Army detachment commander yesterday died in a military camp in Brgy. Canlandog, Murcia, in what the police and military initially believed to be a "self-inflicted" cause.

Murcia police investigators identified the victim as SSgt. Walter Villanueva, commander of the Canlandog detachment stationed in the town.

Brig.Gen. Gregorio Fajardo, commanding general of the 303rd Infantry Brigade said that most likely it was self-inflicted. However, he added, they are still waiting for the final report of the Murcia police who investigated Villanueva's death in Brgy. Canlandog, Murcia.

Police investigations show that Villanueva and his men were conducting a routine camp defense plan training, when he stumbled and accidentally pressed the trigger of his M-16 assault rifle, hitting himself in the neck. The bullet exited from his left eye.

SPO3 Nick Constantino, Murcia police investigator, said he also believes that there was no foul play in the death of Villanueva, citing their initial investigation, that was also based on accounts of several witnesses.

An empty shell of an M-16 assault rifle was recovered from the scene of incident.

Constantino, however, said they will still conduct paraffin and ballistic tests on the body and M-16 assault rifle of Villanueva, to erase any doubts that may arise over his death.

The initial assessments of Fajardo and Constantino were also shared by 2Lt. Roberto Salvador, executive officer of the 12IB Delta Company, and immediate superior of Villanueva, a resident of Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod City.

The 12th Infantry Battalion is supervising more than 2,000 CAFGUs stationed in Negros island.*GPB

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