2 killed, 5 wounded as militiaman runs amuck

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – A government militiaman went amuck in a neighbor’s wake in Pagsanjan, Laguna before dawn yesterday, killing two people and wounding five others, including two children, police said.

Inspector Luis Perez, Pagsanjan police chief, said the suspect, Teodoro Rizare, 29, a rebel returnee who now serves as a militiaman under the Philippine Army, was later arrested along with a certain Arnold.

Investigation showed that a drunk Rizare arrived at the wake and joined a group of men in a drinking spree. He, however, had a verbal tussle with some visitors, prompting him to leave the place.

Moments later, Rizare returned armed with a rifle and fired it indiscriminately, killing couple Bernardo Flores and Mylene Dollas and wounding their daughter, Babylyn, 12, who remained in critical condition with a bullet wound in the head.

Also wounded in the attack were Emelita Albano, 68; Edren Forteza, five; Joel Ablao, 31; and Alaphata de los Santos, 44, who were all brought to the Laguna Provincial Hospital in Sta. Cruz town.

Police are readying criminal and administrative charges against Rizare. – With Ed Amoroso