Businessman, 3 others slain in Ilocos attack

TUGUEGARAO CITY , Philippines   â€“ A businessman, his daughter and two employees were killed while another was wounded when unidentified armed men fired at their vehicle in the town of Badoc in Ilocos Norte Friday night.

Benny Rosete, 31, and his employees Jerry Guzman and William Acoba, died on the spot while his daughter Hayamel died while being treated at a hospital, according to Senior Inspector Leo Tolentino, town police chief.

Rosete’s nephew, Mark John Rosete, 19, suffered gunshot wounds and was reported to be in critical condition.

Rosete’s wife Michelle, and their other child, Sonnymel, and nephew, Rayen Jen, survived unscathed.

Reports said the victims were in a tricycle when the gunmen waylaid them at about 9 p.m. along the highway in Barangay Santa Cruz-B.

Police recovered from the crime scene 13 bullet shells for an M16 Armalite. They have yet to determine the motive for the attack and the identities of the suspects. – With Charlie Lagasca, Teddy Molina