CALBAYOG CITY, Philippines – A farmer and four members of his family were killed while two others were wounded when unidentified gunmen strafed their house in Barangay Victory in Calbayog, Samar on Tuesday.
Sonny, 38; Adela, 42; Cristina, Angel Mae, 2; and Princess Christine Joy, 5, all surnamed Regulacion, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene, said Superintendent Ernesto Salvador Tejada, Calbayog City police chief.
Wendy Manlayo, 7, and Marlene Natayangga, 40, sustained gunshot wounds and were brought to the Saint Camillus Hospital for treatment.
Initial investigation showed Sonny was resting in a hammock and the children were playing when at least seven gunmen surrounded their house and opened fire.
An investigation is underway while police have launched a manhunt for the suspects.
Witnesses told The STAR Sonny is a known supporter of Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino and a close ally of newly appointed Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.
Aquino condemned the murders while Sarmiento‘s office called for a speedy investigation. – Ricky Bautista, Miriam Desacada/Freeman