Fire officer hurts girlfriend, kills colleague, self

BALANGA CITY, Bataan, Philippines – Two fire officers died after one of them reportedly went on a shooting rampage following a quarrel with his girlfriend, who was wounded in the incident Saturday night in Orani town.

Senior Fireman Charlie Mendoza, 52, and Fire Officer 2 Enrico Caraan, 44, of the Dinalupihan and Orani Fire Protection Station, respectively, died from several gunshot wounds, according to Inspector Janice Piga, spokesman for the Bataan police.

Reports said Mendoza and his girlfriend, Arlyn Lopez, were having drinks at Caraan’s apartment in Barangay Tugatog when they started arguing.

Mendoza allegedly punched Lopez, who slapped him.

Mendoza reportedly pulled out a caliber .45 pistol and shot Lopez several times in the body. Police said Caraan tried to stop Mendoza but he was also shot in the chest and back.

Seeing the two victims bloodied, Mendoza pointed the gun at his chest and pulled the trigger.

Lopez was rushed to the Bataan General Hospital in Balanga City for treatment.                – Raffy Viray, Ric Sapnu