Ex-soldier goes berserk, kills 4 in Ilocos Sur

CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur — The relative serenity of this muncipality was jolted when a former soldier, for still unknown reasons, went berserk Tuesday night, and armed with an US-made rifle, shot dead four individuals who were having a drinking binge in Barangay Basug.

Santa police chief Sr. Supt. Rey de Peralta said Antonio Espiritu, 63 of Barangay Rizal, was captured 15 minutes after he gunned down Reykhel Ballesca, 25; Fazel Custodia, 24 and Gerardo Belen, 48, all residents of Brgy. Basug, along with Rumolo Bruzon, 21, a resident of Brgy. Quezon.

De Peralta said the victims died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds.

A fifth victim, Prince Marion Garcia, 26, survived the attack and was brought to hospital for treatment.

Initial investigation showed that prior to the incident, the victims were having a drinking session at the residence of one Isidro De Peralta, a barangay kagawad.

Espiritu later showed up and instantly fired at the victims.

“The suspect was able to enter the compound where the victims were having a drinking spree and shot them instantly without any reason,” said De Peralta.

The four casualties were rushed by neighbors and the police to Metro Vigan Cooperative Hospital but were declared dead on arrival by attending physician Rachel Rumias.

Garcia was brought to Gabriela Silang General Hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

“Our police officers were able to arrest the suspect who did not voluntarily surrender, while the carbine was recovered from the house of John Pader, a resident of Sacuyya Norte, Santa, Ilocos Sur by KIMAT Team led by Chief Inspector Honesto Lazo, Jr.,” said De Peralta, who added that Pader will likewise be charged.

According the Chief Inspector William Nerona, spokesperson of the Ilocos Sur police provincial office said that an old grudge is the likely cause of the attack, although investigators are gathering more pieces of evidence.