Army commander commits suicide

By Freddie Lazaro

TUGUEGARAO CITY — A detachment commander under the army’s 77th Infantry Batallion based in Gattaran, Cagayan was found dead after he shot himself inside his barrack last Sunday, a belated report said here.

Before he committed suicide, the victim reportedly looked sad after he informed his men that he would take a leave of absence for his health checkup in their province.

Police identified the victim as T/Sgt. Edwin Orines, 43, a native of Asingan, Pangasinan.

Investigation disclosed the victim shot himself with the use of Cal. 30 pistol.

His men disclosed that when they heard a gun shot, they ignored it as they thought that their commander was just testing a gun. But they were shocked to see him lying dead when they entered his barrack moments later.

Police subjecting the victim’s cadaver to a paraffin test but results were not known at press time.

Police recovered medical records from the victim’s barrack showing that a doctor advised the victim to take a vacation after suffering from anxiety disorders.