MANILA (Agencies): A Philippine soldier has shot dead his wife, his mother-in-law, and a male driver inside an army camp in Isabela province in the northern Philippines, a military spokesperson has confirmed.
The shooting incident happened at the 5th Infantry Division headquarters at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on Thursday afternoon.
Lieutenant Colonel Louie Dema-ala said the shooting happened around 2pm on Thursday, resulting in the death of the three.
Dema-ala said the soldier was arrested shortly after the shooting and is now being detained at a local police prison.
"The suspect is already under police custody, along with the firearm used at the crime scene," said Dema-ala.
Dema-ala said the investigation is still underway to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Dema-ala said the Philippine Army is "fully cooperating" with the police "for the swift resolution of the case involving one of our personnel."
The Philippine Army (PA) also said in a statament that it would not condone wrongdoings of its personnel following a shooting spree that day before.
Initial police investigation identified the arrested suspect as Sgt. Mark Angelo Ajel, assigned to the 503rd Infantry Brigade based in Tabuk City, Kalinga.
The victims were the suspect's wife, Erlinda, and mother-in-in-law, Lolita Ramos, and van driver Rolando Amaba.
The suspect was immediately arrested while the victims were taken to a hospital.
Amaba died upon arrival while the two later succumbed.
"We, as a professional military organisation, will not condone any wrongdoings and crimes 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," PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a statement.
Two soldiers heard gunfire coming from a van and when they arrived at the scene, they saw Ajel with a firearm and the bodies.
Six cartridges and a bullet from a 9mm pistol were recovered from the crime scene.
An investigation is ongoing to determine Ajel's motives while he was immediately relieved of his duties.
"The PA 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. - Agencies
