Family of 5 killed in Camarines Sur

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Five members of a family, three of them children, were shot dead by their relative at their residence in Milaor, Camarines Sur on Friday, according to reports reaching Camp General Simeon Ola in this city.

Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Bicol police director, identified the fatalities as Romeo de Leon, 72, and his grandchildren Samuel Cobilla Jr., 21; Noela Agliones, 7; Hobbie John Britanico, 6, and Robbie John Britanico, 4.

De Leon and Cobilla died at the scene. The three minors died on the way to the hospital.

Hades John Britanico, 7, was wounded and remains in critical condition in a hospital.

Estomo said the suspect, identified as Arturo de Leon barged into the house of the victims in Zone 1, Barangay Tarusanan and opened fire using an M16 rifle.

The gunman reportedly went to the house of his other relative Luzviminda Cobilla and tried to kill her.

Witnesses said the assailant also hurled a grenade at Cobilla’s house.

Probers are eyeing a land dispute as the motive for the killing.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered a manhunt for the assailant.

“Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit ang ginawang pamamaril sa isang pamilya sa Camarines Sur,” Eleazar said in a statement.

He said police units should intensify their operations against loose firearms.

“We need to double our efforts to take away loose firearms from the streets and communities because these are usually being used as instruments of crime,” Eleazar said.