A Philippine Army sergeant is facing charges of parricide and two counts of murder following the deaths of his wife, mother-in-law, and a driver inside a vehicle near the 5th Infantry Division in Barangay Upi, Gamu, Isabela, last Thursday afternoon.
The accused, Sgt. Mark Angelo Ajel, is currently assigned to the 503rd Infantry Brigade in Calanan, Tabuk City, Kalinga.
The victims have been identified as Erlinda Ajel, the sergeant’s wife; his mother-in-law, Lolita Ramos; and driver Rolando Amaba, all residents of Benito Soliven, Isabela.
Initial police investigations revealed that two soldiers heard gunshots coming from a nearby van. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Ajel in possession of a firearm.
He was promptly arrested while the victims were transported to the nearest hospital. Amaba was declared dead upon arrival, and the other two victims succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
Authorities recovered six fired cartridge cases and one bullet from a 9mm pistol at the scene. As the investigation continues, the motive for the killings has not yet been revealed.
Sgt. Ajel has been relieved of his duties by the 5th Infantry Division.
