Army sergeant kills wife, mother-in-law, driver in Isabela

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — An Army sergeant shot dead his wife, mother-in-law and a driver inside Camp Melchor dela Cruz, the Philippine Army (PA) 5th Infantry Division headquarters, in Gamu town in Isabela on Thursday.

Police investigator Kennedy Gorospe said suspect Sgt. Mark Angelo Ajel, 32, is under custody and his gun, a 9mm pistol, kept as evidence.

The motive for the killing has not been established, but initial investigation showed Ajel shot his wife Erlinda, mother-in-law Lolita Ramos and van driver Rolando Amaba. The three, who had bought baby milk at a store inside the camp, were in a van when they were shot.

The gunfire prompted Sgt. Rommel Narag and Staff Sgt. Perfecto Prudencio to approach the van, where Ajel was holding his gun near the wounded victims.

Amaba died at the scene while Erlinda and Ramos died in a hospital.

PA spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the Army condoles with the bereaved families.

“The Army is fully cooperating with the Philippine National Police of Isabela for the swift resolution of the case involving one of our personnel. The suspect is already under the custody of the Gamu police station, along with the firearm used in the crime scene,” Dema-ala said.

He assured the public that the Philippine Army, as a professional organization, will not condone wrongdoing committed by any of its personnel.

“We stand by our commitment to being a professional and disciplined organization that continuously strives to maintain and uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity,” Dema-ala said.