Pangasinan couple shot dead by nephew

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines  – An old couple died when they were shot inside their house by their nephew, the other night in Barangay Aponit here, police said yesterday.

Police identified the fatalities as Angelo Pascua, 68, and his wife, Emilia, 66, both vegetable vendors and residents of said place.

The suspect who fled after the incident was identified as George Arcangel, 29, also of said place.

Investigation showed that the couple just arrived home from the market when the suspect who was reportedly drunk went to the victims’ house.

The suspect, the report said, after paying respect to his uncle drew a .45 caliber pistol and shot the old man hitting the latter on his stomach in front of the victim’s grand­daughter.

The suspect went up­stairs where he shot his aunt several times and died on the spot.

Before fleeing on board his motorcycle, the suspect threatened the couple’s granddaughter not to come out or she would be shot, too.

The old man was rushed to the Virgen Milagrosa Hospital but died while undergoing treatment.

The report said that the possible motive behind the shooting is revenge as the suspect and his parents were suspecting that the old woman (victim) is practicing witchcraft and they suspect that the old woman is responsible for the death of the suspect’s brother who died last month due to unexplained illness.

A massive manhunt is now being conducted by the city police against the suspect.