CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — Four soldiers were killed and another was left critically injured when a fellow soldier opened fire inside a barracks at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro on February 2023. The suspect, who was also a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, was subsequently shot dead by responding personnel.
Initial reports from the military indicated that the shooting occurred within the confines of the camp, a major installation of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division. The gunman, whose identity has not been officially released pending notification of next of kin, reportedly used a firearm to attack his comrades without warning.
Three soldiers died at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to wounds while being transported to a medical facility. One more soldier remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment at a military hospital, authorities said.
Military officials have launched an investigation into the incident, with early assessments focusing on possible personal grievances or mental health issues. The Armed Forces of the Philippines extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that the matter is being handled with full transparency.
The camp was placed on heightened alert following the shooting, but security forces have since declared the situation under control. No other suspects are being sought, and the identity of the slain perpetrator has been withheld as military police continue their probe.
This tragic event has reignited calls for better mental health support and stricter firearms management within the military, as the institution mourns the loss of its personnel in what is considered a rare but devastating internal security incident.