Family of 3 massacred

TANAUAN, Batangas — A couple and their three-year-old daughter were gunned down by two men inside their home here Friday night.

Police suspect that a business partnership turned sour could be behind the killing of Romulo Tuizia, 34, his wife Maricel, 27, and their daughter Rochelle.

The gunmen did not hit Tuizia’s son George, 7. He was treated for minor cuts.

Probers said the family was watching television inside their home in Barangay Malaking Pulo when the attackers sprayed them with M-16 bullets.

At least 37 spent Armalite shells were found at the scene.

Tuizia’s sister Luz, who was in her house a few feet away from her brother’s, was able to identify the two gunmen. Police withheld the suspects’ identities.

SPO1 Carlos Petate said Tuizia was allegedly involved in cattle rustling, butchering the animals and selling the meat.