MANILA, Philippines — A joint task force has been created to investigate the death of an Army soldier who had fought in Marawi who was shot dead by police in Aurora town, Zamboanga del Sur province Wednesday afternoon.
Private First Class Rodilo Bartolome was waiting for a ride home to visit his family after securing an overnight pass from his unit, the 53rd Infantry Battalion, when he was killed in still uncertain circumstances.
Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman, admitted that emotions were running high, not only among Bartolome’s comrades but even soldiers from other units.
But Padilla gave assurances the military would remain professional even as he said they expected the same standards from the Philippine National Police, especially the Police Regional Office 9, which has jurisdiction over Zamboanga del Sur.
The Western Mindanao Command asked for prayers for Bartolome and urged calm.
