The Philippine Army (PA) said Friday, Oct. 11, that it will not tolerate the actions allegedly done by a soldier who is accused of killing his wife, mother-in-law and driver inside Camp Melchor dela Cruz, the headquarters of the Army's 5th Infantry Division (5ID), in Gamu, Isabela.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, PA spokesperson, said the military condoles with the bereaved family of the victims.
“We, as a professional military organization, will not condone any wrongdoings and crimes committed by any of its personnel. We stand by our commitment to being a professional and disciplined organization that continuously strives to maintain and uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity," he said.
Police identified the suspect as Sgt. Mark Angelo Ajel, 32, who is assigned to the Army's 503rd Infantry Brigade in Tabuk City, Kalinga.
According to a police report, Ajel was with his wife, 53-year-old Erlinda; mother in law Lolita Ramos; and driver Rolando Amaba inside a van when gunshots were heard from the parked vehicle inside the camp on Thursday, Oct. 10.
Two Army personnel responded to the scene and saw the suspect holding a gun along with the bodies of the three victims, according to the report.
“The Philippine Army is fully cooperating with the Philippine National Police of Isabela for the swift resolution of the case involving one of our personnel,” Dema-ala said.
Ajel has been relieved from his post pending the result of the investigation by the police.
“The suspect is already under the custody of the Gamu Police Station, along with the firearm used in the crime scene,” he added.
A follow-up investigation is being conducted to determine the motive behind the incident.
Meanwhile, Dema-ala said that the situation at the military camp has returned to normal following the shooting incident.
"Normal operations ang kampo (The camp has resumed normal operations). No additional security [was needed]," he stated.