Raps filed vs man who killed wife, in-laws

MANILA, Philippines - Police filed multiple charges yesterday against man who shot dead his wife and two in-laws in Tondo, Manila Tuesday night.

Ronald Cruz, 37, a messenger of Philippine Reclamation Authority, is facing charges of parricide for killing his wife, Gina, 36; two counts of homicide for the death of his mother-in-law, Senecia Valencia, 60, and sister-in-law Loreta Venturina, 40; and frustrated homicide for wounding Loreta’s fiancée, American serviceman John Walker, 44.

Police said Cruz went into a rage and started shooting at the victims after his wife refused to bring him pulutan (finger food) while he was drinking with his buddies outside his house on Masinop Street.

Cruz surrendered to authorities some 20 hours after the shooting. Police recovered his .9mm pistol from his best friend in Dasmariñas, Cavite, where he sought refuge after the shooting.

Police said Cruz, an active member of a gun club, has a license and a permit to carry the gun outside his house.

He said he lost his senses and started shooting when his wife punched him during their quarrel while his in-laws, who lived next door, scolded him for drinking.