Ex-fireman posts cryptic words on Facebook before allegedly killing wife

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines—Weeks before he allegedly killed his wife, a retired firefighter in Bukidnon posted cryptic statements with references to death and suicidal thoughts on his Facebook account.

Arnold Tenorio, 47, on Wednesday reportedly shot to death his spouse Florina, the principal of Casisang National High School in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, inside the campus, police said.

The victim succumbed to three gunshot wounds from a .45 caliber handgun, said Superintendent Henry Dampal, Malaybalay police chief.

Florina was brought to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital but doctors declared her dead on arrival.

After the shooting, the suspect fled from the crime scene and went back to their residence in Azura Subdivision, where he stayed for hours before his arrest.

Dampal added the suspect even fired three shots while inside the house as he was heard saying he will not surrender and would even shoot if necessary.

“We did not enter the house right away as requested by his children and relatives,” he said.

A relative, he added, entered the Tenorios’ residence and tried to reason with the suspect. It came to a point when they grappled him, giving law enforcers the opportunity to subdue and handcuff Tenorio.

“Initial investigation revealed that the couple has been arguing often due to suspect’s drug problem,” Philippine National Police-10 (PNP-10) spokesperson Superintendent Surki Sereñas, quoting a police spot report, said in a text message.

Sereñas said the suspect was reportedly a drug user and this has been known to be the cause of the couple’s arguments.

In his Feb. 11, 2016 post, for instance, Arnold Tenorio, 47, wrote: “Prayer to our [Almighty]! And if according to my fate, I am to lose my life! Please bless with your protecting hands, my children, and my wife…”

On May 6, the post became more intense: “I will keep one bullet for myself,” and a few minutes later: “And God said yes!”

Tenorio also posted a meme with the same theme on May 16. “I hate myself. True. I think often of death. True. Suicide is a reasonable option.”

The following day, he lifted lines from a classic Queen song “Bohemian Rhapsody”: “Goodbye everybody, I’ve got to go/Got to leave you all behind, and face the truth!”

On May 25, about the same time the incident happened, Tenorio posted on his Facebook wall: “My apologies to all!… Dili na nako kaya (I couldn’t take it anymore). My God, please forgive us sinners…”

A few minutes after that, he posted: “Mandamay pa unta ko pero dili na nako kaya (I want to drag others but I can’t take it)…”

Sereñas said the alleged perpetrator is currently detained at the Malaybalay police station awaiting formal charges. RAM

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