3 die in family gunfight

It looked more like a scene from a Shakespeare tragedy than a real-life drama. A 72-year-old Filipino-Chinese businessman was shot dead by his own son after he shot and killed his estranged wife and own daughter yesterday afternoon inside their house in Quezon City after a heated argument over properties.

David Chua, his wife Chua Yan Su, 68, and their daughter Elizabeth Relucio, 40, all suffered bullet wounds in their bodies and died inside their residence in 22 MY Homes, Marvex Drive, Barangay Balingasa, Quezon City.

Chua’s son, whom he engaged in a shootout after killing his wife and daughter, was identified as Charly Chua, 35, who also suffered gunshot wounds and is now in critical condition at the Chinese General Hospital.

Initial investigation disclosed that the incident took place at about 1:30 pm inside the Chuas’ household in Barangay Balingasa.

Chua, who had long been separated from his wife Su, arrived at the house to visit his family reportedly to settle some matters.

A few minutes later, a heated argument ensued between Su and Chua, whom she accused of failing to give financial support to the family. It was later learned that a civil case has already been filed in court against Chua.

Without warning, Chua pulled out his licensed caliber .38 revolver and fired a shot at his wife, who immediately collapsed on the floor. His daughter, who was in another room, heard the gunshot, and confronted her father.

Chua reportedly did not hesitate and sprayed bullets on Relucio, who also died on the spot.

Charly, who reportedly witnessed the whole scene, managed to run to the second floor of the house to get his gun.

The younger Chua later rushed downstairs and challenged his father to a duel. After the gun-smoke cleared, David lay bloodied with several bullet wounds and died. Charly also sustained bullet wounds.

A neighbor, who heard the commotion, forced his way inside the Chuas’ residence and was shocked to see the whole family lying in a pool of blood.

Charly was rushed to the hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment. Responding policemen, led by Superintendent Jose Garcia, arrived at the scene later to carry out an investigation on what really happened.

Meanwhile, a rookie policeman surrendered yesterday, three days after shooting and seriously wounding two jeepney drivers over a simple traffic violation in Mandaluyong City.

The suspect, PO1 Angelito Consigna, 31, of Block 40, Welfareville Compound, barangay Addition Hills yielded to Senior Inspector Ruperto Charaos, head of the Mandaluyong City police Precinct 4.

Consigna also surrendered the M16 Armalite rifle he used in the shooting of Lucivar Baclar, 28 of Tayuman, Binangonan, Rizal and Ernesto Encina, 25, of Rodriguez street in Barangay Sto. Niño, Angono, Rizal in front a fast-food joint along EDSA Central at 1 a.m. Sunday.

Both Baclar and Encina sustained multiple gunshot wounds and are now fighting for their lives as the Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City. – Non Alquitran