Cebuano kills wife, 3 kids, helper, then commits suicide

MANILA, Philippines - Six people lay dead after a retired seaman shot his wife, three children and a helper before shooting himself in Talisay City, Cebu yesterday, police said.

Senior Superintendent Patrocinio Commendador, Cebu police director, said the incident happened at around 8:30 a.m. in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.

Commendador said the suspect, Emmanuel Ponce, 55, was reportedly drunk when he committed the crime.

Investigation showed that before the incident, Ponce had a quarrel with his wife, Melinda, 53, a manager of a bank in Banawa, Cebu City.

Ponce then shot his wife, their three children Elaine Grace, 26; Heether Joy, 25; and Erlin Bridge, 18; and their helper, Anatacia Deniega, 30.

Ponce spared his 14-year-old daughter who is now in police custody. 

The victims and the suspect were rushed to the Talisay District Hospital but eventually died. Authorities recovered a caliber .45 pistol at the crime scene.  – Alexis Romero, Ria Mae Booc/Freeman