Former soldier runs amok, kills his 4 nephews

BACOLOD CITY ,Philippines  — A former Army soldier went on a shooting spree Friday night, killing his four nephews and injuring another one, in Pontevedra town, Negros Occidental, police said.

The suspect identified as Nestor Estrellanes, who was armed with a .45 caliber pistol, opened fire at the victims, at the wake for the victims’ mother in Brgy. General Malvar, Senior Inspector Vanessa Sonoy, Pontevedra police chief, yesterday said.

Estrellanes, 52, reported to be under the influence of alcoholic liquor, engaged in a heated discussion with the victims, before the shooting incident, investigations of the Pontevedra police showed.

Rex Jun Palacios, 41, who succumbed to a bullet wound in the head, died on the spot, while Rudy Genton,56, and his brother, Dominador,55; and Reynaldo Amable,58, were declared dead on arrival at the Valladolid District Hospital, Sonoy said.

Grazed by a bullet in the left shoulder was Generoso Genton,39 , a younger brother of Rudy and Dominador, she said.

Sonoy said Estrellanes gave himself up to the Pontevedra Police Station after the shooting rampage. Estrellanes has already been subjected to a paraffin test, in preparation for the filing of murder charges against him, she added.