‘Jealous’ ex-seaman in shooting spree kills 4, injures 4 in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines—A former seaman landed in jail Sunday for allegedly killing in a fit of rage four people, including his lover and a birthday celebrator next door, and injured four others in Bagumbong, Caloocan City.

Police authorities said multiple counts of homicide and frustrated homicide await Rolly Rapit, 33, for the deaths of his live-in partner, Eden de la Cruz, and three other people at the Tiera Nova Royale Subdivision, Barangay (village) 171.

According to Chief Inspector Ronald Perilla, head of the Barugo Police Station in North Caloocan, Rapit’s rage stemmed from a fight with De la Cruz at around 10 p.m. Sunday.

Rapit, who was allegedly drunk when the incident happened, had suspected De la Cruz of having another lover, but she denied this.

“Rapit was allegedly jealous because he heard rumors that Eden had another man. He then confronted her while drunk. That was when he killed her,” Perilla said.

Despite De la Cruz’s denial, Rapit refused to accept her answer and an argument ensued. Losing control, Rapit pistol-whipped his lover with his 9mm gun, then shot her, killing her on the spot.

Still seething with rage over the argument, the suspect then went out of the house and fired his gun at his neighbors outside, who were then celebrating a birthday party.

Arnold Dizon, who was celebrating his 32nd birthday that night, was hit by a bullet and killed also on the spot. Two guests—Elizabeth Templonuevo, 48, and her son Benjamin, 17—were also hit and likewise died on the spot.

Four other guests—Archie Artugi, 23, Maria Dina Lagonero, 23, Julius Bernado, 19, and Jover Ricana, 15—were injured by stray bullets. Only Ricana remains in the East Avenue Medical Center for serious injuries.

Perilla said witnesses described Rapit as out of his mind when he rushed outside and began shooting randomly.

The suspect was later arrested by the Caloocan Police as he tried to escape from the crime scene. He is now detained at the Barugo Police Station while awaiting the filing of charges against him.