A church volunteer tries to scrape off the blood of the couple who died after the husband shot his wife before committing suicide at the side entrance of San Roque Parish church in Barangay Poblacion, Catarman, Camiguin on Sunday, Jan. 6. JIGGER J. JERUSALEM
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – A former overseas Filipino worker shot to death his wife before committing suicide outside the church in Catarman town, this province, Sunday morning at around 8:40 a.m., police said.
Catarman police identified the victim as Ivy Linao, 35, a municipal employee in Catarman. Her shooter was identified as Celmar Linao, 37.
Based on investigation, the husband pointed a .54 caliber gun at his wife while the holy mass was ongoing.
Witnesses said Celmar tried to shoot the victim inside the San Roque Parish church in Barangay Poblacion, Catarman, but the firearm failed to discharge.
Witnesses said the wife ran toward the side entrance of the church to flee but her movement was hampered as she was tagging along one of her kids. The couple had seven children.
Police said a single bullet hit Ivy’s left arm as she tried to shield her face but it penetrated her skull, causing her death.
After shooting his wife, Celmar then fired a single shot at himself.
Recovered from the crime scene was as .45 caliber pistol and two spent shells. /je