Two suspects to be charged for Calamba killings

(Updated 5:13 p.m.) MANILA , Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is charging two suspects for killing of eight people from two families in Calamba, Laguna before dawn Monday. Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman, said police is expected to file Monday afternoon multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against two suspects - namely, Bernabe Fiesta and retired Philippine Constabulary Sgt. Florencio Peria. Peria was earlier taken in for investigation after an ammunition magazine found by investigators at the crime scene bore his name. Police officials later identified Defiesta, who is Peria's nephew, as a suspect in the case. A radio report said Fiesta, who remains at large, used an M-16 rifle that he got from his uncle in the killing spree in the remote village of Hornalan in Calamba City between late Sunday and early Monday. Without even barging in the victims’ homes, the gunman aimlessly rained shots at four separate residences, the report said. Peria had earlier denied involvement in the shooting incident but admitted to owning the three magazines recovered from the crime scene. He said he used to give out such gun items to friends who would usually ask from him. In the press conference, Bartolome said that aside from Fiesta, Peria will still be included in the filing of charges, saying Peria's explanation that he was not involved in the incident is still being considered as an alibi of the local police investigators. “He will still be included in the charge sheet and we expect the filing of the case today (Monday)," said Bartolome. Bartolome also said region-wide manhunt is now being conducted to arrest Fiesta based on the information given by Peria and other witnesses on the crime. Eight people, including children, were killed after the shooting rampage while six others were seriously hurt and are undergoing treatment. The fatalities were initially identified as Dennis Balisong, 29; daughters Gladys, 8, and Gladen, 7; Jerry Pili, 49; Gloria Pili, 39; Mary Jane Pili, 12; Sarah Pili, 9; and Julian Pili, 4. Rushed to the San Jose Hospital were Dennis' wife Marina Balisong, 31; son Dennis Mark Balisong, 5; Aurelio Abanilla, 52; Vicente Redondo, 42; Cherry Mae Pili, 17; and Erica Pili, 8. The suspect’s motive has yet to be ascertained even as investigators are trying to determine whether he was under the influence of drugs or had a long-standing grudge with the villagers when he assaulted them. - GMANews.TV