Army man shoots woman for refusing hotel date

BY LIEZLE BASA INIGO

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan ‒ Never ever ride home with somebody you don’t know too well especially one who is intoxicated.

Twenty-year-old Celine Fernandez realized this the hard way after she was shot and wounded by an Army personnel when she refused to go with him to a hotel Tuesday in Barangay Bayaoas here.

Fernando Manzano, Fernandez’s boyfriend, was also shot in the leg after he rushed to the scene to rescue his girlfriend.

Pangasinan Provincial Police Office spokesperson Maj. Arturo Melchor identified the suspect as Pfc. Nicho Argos, member of Philippine Army and also a resident of the city.

According to a police investigator, the incident happened at 11 p.m. in front of M2M Hotel.

Investigation revealed that Celine attended a drinking party where the Army man was among in the group.

Upon the request of Fernandez, the soldier agreed to bring her home using his motorcycle.

Fernandez, however, sensed that they were heading to the said hotel so she immediately called up her boyfriend who followed them in front of the hotel.

A heated argument ensued between Manzano and Argos during which the later drew his .45-caliber pistol and shot both Fernandez and her 28-year-old boyfriend.

The victims were rushed to Urdaneta District Hospital, while the suspect was later arrested by the police. (Liezle Basa Inigo)