Police said a civilian, Oscar Asuelo, had reported to the police station that an unidentified armed man was spotted in a nearby store.
Police Officer 2 Ronald Zeros and PO1 Michael Bullanday were immediately sent to verify the identity of the man.
“However, upon arrival by the responding police officers in the area, the unidentified male person suddenly drew a .45 caliber pistol approaching them that prompted the police officers to shoot and neutralize the said person,” the police report said.
But a woman who reportedly witnessed the shooting said the soldier did not pull out a gun, but was only waiting for a ride home to Midsalip town also in Zamboanga del Sur. She claimed the policeman who shot the soldier was only wearing a white t-shirt and a jersey shorts. She said Rodilo was shot several times while trying to pull out an identification card from his bag.