Family of 3 slain, torched

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A couple and their 11-year-old son were found burned in a makeshift kiln in a remote village in Isabela City, Basilan Monday.

The bodies of Rotillo Gonzaga, 57; his wife Lucia, and their son Virgilio were found by their landlord, Rodel Ariola, at around 3:15 p.m. in Sitio Campo Barn, Barangay Kapayawan.

The village is located near the border of Sampinit Complex, a known haven of Abu Sayyaf bandits.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Albert Larubis said the remains of the victims were found in a makeshift kiln that serves as a dryer for coconuts.

Larubis said they have yet to determine how the victims were killed before they were burned.

“Probers found no weapon or any object that could have been used in the murder,” Larubis said, adding they were looking at personal grudge as the motive for the killing.