By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY — Police are investigating the tragic case of a 30-year-old security guard who fatally shot his two young daughters before taking his own life in Barangay Buntis, Bacong, Negros Oriental, on Thursday morning.
Authorities withheld the names of the suspect and his daughters, aged 3 and 5, to protect the family’s privacy.
According to Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, public information officer of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, the suspect had been separated from his wife.
At around 8:10 a.m., the suspect went to his wife’s home to request permission to take their two children. However, an argument ensued when his wife refused.
Polinar reported that the suspect, armed with his issued 9mm service pistol, attempted to shoot his wife, who managed to flee. He then turned the firearm on his two daughters, who were nearby.
The five-year-old child was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the three-year-old succumbed to her injuries later that day.
Investigators are awaiting the results of the medical examination to determine the extent of the children’s injuries.
Polinar stated that authorities are probing whether the incident stemmed from the suspect’s anger over his conflict with his wife or if there were other underlying factors.
He added that they would coordinate with the suspect’s security agency to determine if there were signs of unusual behavior leading up to the tragedy.
Police respond to the scene in Barangay Buntis, Bacong, Negros Oriental, where two children were shot dead by their father, who also took his own life. (Photo courtesy of Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)
