GAMU, Isabela – A soldier allegedly killed his wife, mother-in-law, and driver inside Camp Melchor dela Cruz, the headquarters of the Army 5th Infantry Division, in Barangay Upi, this town, on Thursday afternoon, October 10.
Police Staff Sgt. Kennedy C. Gorospe, case officer of the Gamu police station, identified the suspect as Sgt. Mark Angelo Ajel, 32, assigned to the 503rd Infantry Brigade in Tabuk City, Kalinga.
Investigation said gunshots were heard from a vehicle parked inside the camp.
Army Sgt. Rommel Narag and Army Staff Sgt. Perfecto Prudencio responded and saw Ajel holding a gun with the bodies of van driver Rolando Amaba, his wife, Erlinda, 35, and Lolita Ramos, his mother-in-law, inside with bullet wounds.
Ajel was apprehended and Erlinda and Ramos were taken to a hospital where they were declared dead. Amaba died on the spot.
Police said Ajels had just purchased milk for their baby when the victims were shot.
Six empty shells and one fired bullet from a caliber 9mm pistol were recovered in the crime scene.
The 5th ID assured financial and legal assistance to the victims.
Capt. Ed Rarugal, 5th ID deputy public affairs office chief, said they have extended their condolences to the families of the victims.
Motive of the killing was an alleged third-party relationship between victim Erlinda, Amaba, and a certain Arjay.
Gorospe said that the suspect and the firearm is under their custody.
Ajel faces parricide and murder cases.