Woman killed in apparent robbery in QC

MANILA, Philippines— A housewife was shot dead Friday afternoon inside her home in Quezon City by robbers who made off with a laptop computer, a closed-circuit TV recorder and P600 in cash, police said.

Maria Elena Baladad, 49, was found by a nephew who lived with her at Mother Ignacia Street in Barangay Paligsahan.

Case investigator PO2 Marlon dela Vega said the break-in was discovered at around 2:30 p.m. Friday when the nephew got home from school.

Raymond Baladad told police that he was about to enter his aunt’s house when he noticed that the gate was slightly open. The main door was also ajar and the lights inside showed that the place had been ransacked.

Dela Vega said the victim’s bloodied body was found lying on its back inside a stockroom with the door slightly open.

He added that they are still looking for people who may have witnessed the break-in.

Police investigators discovered that the victim’s Acer laptop valued at P26,000 and a closed circuit television camera recorder were missing. Also taken was the woman’s wallet containing documents and P600 in cash.

Dela Vega said Baladad died from three gunshot wounds in the head and right arm.

Police said a caliber .38 revolver with five bullets and a spent shell were recovered inside the house. It was still unclear if the gun belonged to the robbers or the woman.