A 42-year-old barangay health worker and her three school-aged children were found dead inside their home in Barangay Litapan, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur, at around 7 a.m. on June 29, prompting police to launch an intensive investigation and manhunt for the suspect.
The victims included the 42-year-old mother and her three minor children: a 15-year-old Grade 10 student, a 13-year-old Grade 8 student, and an 11-year-old Grade 6 student.
In an exclusive interview with Brigada News Pagadian, acting Josefina Municipal Police Station chief Lt. Julito Pamalaran said investigators believe the killings were planned, noting that the suspect appeared to have ensured all four victims were killed.
Pamalaran said each victim sustained fatal wounds that caused their immediate deaths.
Police said a multiple murder case will be filed against the suspect.
Authorities continue to conduct a thorough investigation and follow-up operations to identify and arrest the person responsible for the killings.
Meanwhile, the children’s grandmother, Myrna Dumalte, said the family only discovered what had happened after they noticed the mother’s hand protruding through an opening in the house.
Dumalte also said the family suspects a person may be behind the killings. Police are investigating the information provided by the family as part of the ongoing case.
The victims’ relatives are appealing for justice while the children’s father is still on his way home from Manila.
Authorities are also asking anyone with information that could help solve the case to immediately contact the Josefina Municipal Police Station to assist investigators and speed up the delivery of justice for the victims.
