Man goes on rampage; 2 killed, 1 critically wounded

CEBU, Philippines —  A mother and her son died on the spot after being shot by a former criminology instructor who was running amok over a missing dumbbell in Barangay San Isidro, Talisay City on Wednesday night.

The fatalities were Hilda Fernandez, of legal age and sister-in-law of the suspect, and her son Gilbert Fernandez.

Another victim, Irene Fernandez, was in a critical condition as of this writing.

Police identified the suspect as Rogelio Fernandez Jr., 39, a former instructor in criminology but who is now working as a delivery rider.

Police Corporal Christopher Lerio, investigator at Talisay City Police Station, said that before the shooting, Rogelio went wild looking for his dumbbell.

After a while, he went inside his house and opened fire using his .38 revolver.

Not contented, Rogelio went into the house of his in-laws and shot Hilda who was hit in her chest and back, as well as Gilbert.

The shooting happened in front of Hilda's four grandchildren aged 5 to 7 years old.

But Rogelio's rampage did not end there. When he got out of the house, he saw and also shot Irene who was then washing clothes. Irene was hit in the back.

Eugene Fernandez, a younger brother of Rogelio, recalled that Rogelio used to lay his hand on them while they were still kids.

“Gamay namo nga sipyat, kulata gyud mi sa among maguwang,” said Eugene.

Rogelio's older brother, Honorato Fernandez, said that the former had been losing in cockfights recently, which could have been the reason for his behavior.

Rogelio, for his part, surrendered to the authorities and is now languishing in jail.

In an interview, he told The FREEMAN that he did not regret what he had done, though he said he might feel so in the future.

Rogelio also said that his siblings know "the attitude" of those he killed.

“Nagpakita naman gyud ko nila kung unsa ang mahitabo kung sige sila og panghilabot. Naputong na gyud ko mao na nga nahitabo,” said Rogelio.

He added that his siblings love him and that they would understand why he did the act. – Robhe Jane C. Yara, JMD (FREEMAN)