Army sergeant kills wife, 2 others inside Isabela military camp

INQUIRER FILES

GAMU, Isabela — A 32-year-old Army sergeant fatally shot his wife, mother-in-law, and another man on Thursday afternoon in what police suspect to be a crime of passion.

Investigators said the incident occurred around 2 p.m. inside Camp Melchor Dela Cruz of the 5th Infantry Division in Upi village.

The gunman, identified as Mark Angelo Ajel, was assigned to the 503rd Infantry Brigade in Calanan, Tabuk City, Kalinga. Military police apprehended him shortly after the shooting.

One of the victims was identified as van driver Rolando Amaba, from Santa Cruz in Benito Soliven, Isabela, who died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds from a 9mm pistol.

Ajel’s wife, Erlinda Ajel, 35, succumbed to her injuries while being treated at the Isabela Doctors General Hospital in Ilagan City.

The suspect’s mother-in-law, Lolita Ramos, was declared dead at Providers Medical Center in Naguilian, Isabela.

Six bullet casings were recovered at the scene.

Authorities said Ajel and the victims were inside a van and allegedly engaged in an argument before the shooting occurred.

Police were looking into a crime of passion as the motive, while the suspect is now in police custody. INQ