MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District filed yesterday multiple frustrated murder against a policeman who reportedly shot his family members during an altercation in Sta. Cruz Friday morning.
Police Officer 1 Antonio Escueta, 43, assigned at the Aviation Security Group of the Philippine National Police, was surrendered by his superior hours after the shooting, according to Sta. Cruz police station chief Superintendent James Afalla.
The suspect’s brother-in-law, Ronald Martinez, 37, and his son Robert Marcelo Martinez, 18, are in critical condition at the UST Hospital and Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, respectively, for gunshot wounds in the neck and body. His sister, Maria Rosalinda Martinez, 37, sustained a gunshot wound in the arm.
Afalla said on Thursday night, the policeman and his brother-in-law figured in an altercation over an old family feud, but it was settled amicably at the barangay level. The next morning, Escueta was reportedly berated by his sister, Maria Rosalinda, triggering a heated argument.
At the height of the altercation, Escueta reportedly used his service firearm, a .9mm caliber pistol, to shoot the victims. He sped away on his motorcycle. Escueta is being held at the Sta. Cruz police station, according to Afalla.